*some images are of mature trees and shrubs
Nellie Stevens Holly
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'Description
Whether you are looking for a privacy shrub or the perfect accent tree for your property, the Nellie Stevens Holly Tree is the way to go.
The Nellie Stevens Holly Tree is a cross between the English Holly and the Chinese Holly. It has a naturally dense, broad, pyramidal shape. The leaves are glossy with a deep, dark green color that lasts all year long. This Holly Tree produces very discrete white flowers in the spring time, allowing the tree to pollinate and yield an abundance of red berries in the winter. The natural beauty of the red berries against the glossy, dark green leaves is hard to beat especially in a barren winter landscape. Look for orange-red berries in late summer.
The Nellie Stevens Holly is a low maintenance evergreen shrub. It can be sheared for a more manicured look or you can just let it grow naturally.
Nellie Stevens Hollies can get up to 25 feet tall and about 8-10 feet wide. It adapts well in most weather conditions, including extreme shade or drought. The Nellie Stevens is a very hardy tree that grows in slightly acidic soils but will adapt to most soils.
Get your Nellie Stevens Holly Trees today and increase the value to your home instantly!

Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Acidic, Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 20-30 Feet |
Mature Width | 10-15 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | White |
How To Care
Be sure to choose the appropriate location for your Nellie Stevens Holly. As long as you avoid extreme temperatures you can plant your Holly almost any time of the year.
Hollies tolerate full sun to part sun. They prefer a slightly acidic soil, but tend to adapt just about any well draining soil. After planting, adding a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch will help keep the soil moist. Mulching is highly recommended in cooler zones to protect the plant's roots in winter as well. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as this increases the chances of pests and disease. Water your Holly deeply a couple times a week for the first few months. After Hollies are established, they only need watered during hot, dry spells. Fertilize in spring with a slow release fertilizer for broad leaf evergreens. The Nellie Stevens Holly doesn't require pruning, but they tolerate it well if you prefer to keep them a certain size. Heavy pruning is best reserved for late winter or early spring.
The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Nellies rarely have issues with pests or disease, but here are a few issues that occasionally affect Hollies. Mites and scale can be treated with horticultural oil. For severe infections the pesticide Bonide is recommended. Avoid saturated soils to prevent fungal issues in Hollies.
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Acidic, Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 20-30 Feet |
Mature Width | 10-15 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | White |
Landscape
The Nellie Stevens Holly Tree is a great tree for anchoring the sides of your home. It is a very popular tree because it has many uses in the landscape. This Holly is perfect for a privacy screen. If planted in a group they will grow together making a lovely hedge. This holly tree can also be planted by itself as an accent tree.
Plant one Nellie Stevens on each side of the front of your home. It will anchor each side and will even make your home look larger. Add some kaleidoscope abelia around each tree for a even more colorful landscape design. If you are a fan of Hollies, also consider the Oakland Holly, Steeds Holly and Sky Pencil Holly.
For additional options, be sure to browse our Thuja Green Giant as well as our Evergreen tree, Privacy hedge and Privacy tree collection.
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Acidic, Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 20-30 Feet |
Mature Width | 10-15 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | White |
Shipping Details
You can still order now, but due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below:
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will ship May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will ship mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, and delayed delivery is noted.
We will return to normal shipping in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
Inventory is moving fast! Order now to reserve your plants. Due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below. We do this so your plant has the best opportunity to thrive in your landscape.
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will start shipping May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will start shipping mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, but are available for pre-order and this will be indicated on the product page.
We will return to normal shipping schedules in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
*Orders ship in 1-3 days. West Coast orders may be held until the following Monday to prevent additional transit time.
AMOUNT OF ORDER | SHIPPING COST |
Less than $15 |
$11.95 |
$15 - 23.99 |
$13.95 |
$24 - $39.99 |
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$40 - 79.99 |
$19.95 |
$80 - 98.99 |
$22.95 |
$99 - 118.99 |
$26.95 |
$119+ |
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