Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens'
holly 'Nellie R. Stevens' ( syn. Ilex aquifolium 'Nellie Stevens' )
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average to fast
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
With its neat pyramidal shape cloaked in glossy leaves and brilliant orange-red berries, 'Nellie R. Stevens' puts on a spectacular show across all seasons. This vigorous hybrid holly forms a dense evergreen tree, clad in deep emerald foliage distinguished by sharp spines. In late spring, petite white flowers appear on female plants, followed by the abundant bird-friendly berries. As a bonus, this four season performer grows at a relatively fast pace, and its tight pyramidal shape needs little pruning to maintain. Please note that this cultivar is female so will require a male holly plant nearby to produce berries.
Plants grown as free-standing specimens require minimal pruning - remove diseased or misplaced branches in spring. Trim plants grown as formal hedges in late summer. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant
- Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten