Plant field guide
Holly (Nellie R. Stevens)
One of the most popular screening hollies in the South. Dense pyramidal form with dark glossy leaves and abundant bright red berries. Fast growing and heat tolerant. Sets berries without a pollinator.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 120 in (305 cm) – 240 in (610 cm)
- Spread
- 72 in (183 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 6–9; average annual extreme minimum from -10°F (-23.3°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March, April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Self-fruitful - produces berries without a male pollinator. Fast grower, 2-3 feet per year when young. Excellent heat and humidity tolerance. Less spiny than other hollies.
Pruning
Prune in early spring. Can be sheared for formal hedge or left natural. Tolerates hard pruning. Save clippings for holiday decorations.
Fertilizer
Holly-Tone or acidic fertilizer
Early spring and late fall
Mulch
3 inches of pine bark or organic mulch.