Nellie Stevens holly
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'
Text and photo by Virginia Williams
At 15 to 25 feet in height, Nellie Stevens is a holly hybrid that can be grown as an evergreen shrub or pyramidal small tree.
One of its strengths is that it can be pruned severely without ill effect. Happily, then, its branches can be cut and enjoyed for holiday decorations.
Leaves are lustrous and dark green with two or three teeth on each side of the leaf. The bright red berries often grow in sizeable clusters that make them stand out all the better.
Very vigorous and moderately fast growing, Nellie Stevens can be used as a specimen plant or in rows for a privacy hedge. It prefers high organic, low pH soils and has best berry set in full sun. That being said, it tolerates just about any growing conditions once established.