Nellie Stevens Holly

Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'

Nellie Stevens Holly is the most popular broadleaf evergreen for screening — fast-growing (3 feet/year), naturally pyramidal, and produces bright red berries without needing a male pollinator. Glossy, spiny leaves stay green year-round. It's the perfect plant when you need a tall, dense evergreen screen fast.

Hardiness Zones

6-9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Low

Mature Size

15-25 ft H × 8-12 ft W

Growth Rate

Fast

Bloom Season

Spring (tiny white flowers)

Bloom Color

Glossy dark green leaves, bright red berries

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Any well-drained soil. Water during establishment, then drought tolerant. Prune in late winter to shape. Naturally pyramidal — minimal shaping needed. Space 5-6 feet apart for a solid screen. Very heat and humidity tolerant. Few pest issues.

Landscape Uses

Privacy screeningSpecimen treeFoundation plantingsHedgingProperty borders

Best Growing Regions

southeastnortheastmidwestsouthwest

Great Companion Plants

BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens

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Liriope

Nandina

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