Eva Monheim
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Botanical Name
ILEX 'Nellie Stevens'
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Holly, Nellie R. Stevens Holly
General Description
This small pyramidal holly tree has dense glossy leaves and becomes loaded with crimson-red berries in fall and early winter. It is a fast-growing hybrid that arose from a cross between Ilex cornuta and I. aquifolium.
In spring it bears tiny fragrant white flowers. Hollies are dioecious, which means plants have either male or female flowers. All berry producers, like ‘Nellie R Stevens,' are female and need male plants nearby for pollination and subsequent fruit set. Any male Chinese or English holly will serve as an effective pollinator. The berries develop their red color in fall and continue to look pretty into winter until they fall or are eaten by hungry winter birds.
This holly accepts most well-drained soils but prefers slightly acid loam. It grows well in full or partial sun and will tolerate drought and summer heat well once established. Too much shade will induce leggy growth and sparse foliage. It is hardy and perfect for tall hedges, large foundations or mixed borders. It also makes a superb specimen plant and its pretty boughs can be cut and enjoyed indoors for holiday decorating. It accepts shearing nicely and may be sculpted to have a more formal appearance.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Width
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red, Crimson
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
