Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens') 

The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a popular evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves, vibrant red berries, and dense, pyramidal shape. This holly variety is a hybrid between the American holly and Chinese holly, combining the best features of both plants: cold hardiness and strong, upright growth. Its attractive foliage and bright berries make it a striking addition to any landscape, especially in winter when other plants may have lost their leaves. Ideal for hedges, screens, and privacy plantings, this holly offers year-round interest with minimal care.

Key Features:

Size: Typically grows 10-15 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, though it can be kept smaller with pruning.
Foliage: Dark green, glossy leaves with a spiny edge, providing a bold, architectural look year-round.
Growth Habit: Pyramidal shape, with dense branching that creates a solid, upright structure.
Berries: Produces abundant red berries in fall and winter on female plants (male plant required for berry production).
Hardiness: Cold-hardy in USDA zones 6-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance and easy to grow, perfect for gardeners looking for a tough, attractive shrub.

Planting Instructions:

Sunlight: Nellie R. Stevens Holly prefers full sun to partial shade. For the best berry production and vibrant foliage, plant it in a sunny location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil. While it adapts to various soil types, it does best in rich, moist, and slightly acidic conditions (pH 5.5-6.5). Ensure the soil drains well to avoid root rot.
Space: This holly can grow fairly large, so give it plenty of space to spread. For hedges, space plants about 6-8 feet apart. For single plants or privacy screens, space them at least 8 feet apart, depending on the desired mature size.

Planting Steps:

Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that’s about twice the size of the root ball. The hole should be deep enough that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent water from collecting around the base.
Prepare the Soil: If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with compost or well-rotted organic matter to improve drainage. A slightly acidic pH is preferred, but this holly is adaptable.
Place the Plant: Remove the plant from its container, gently loosening the roots if they’re pot-bound. Place it in the hole, ensuring the root ball is at the correct level. Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the root ball.
Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with the removed soil, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Care After Planting:

Watering: Water the holly well after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season. Once established, Nellie R. Stevens Holly is fairly drought-tolerant, but it will thrive with regular watering during dry spells.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a versatile, low-maintenance shrub that adds structure, color, and winter interest to any garden. With its glossy evergreen leaves, vibrant red berries, and compact growth habit, it’s a perfect choice for privacy, hedges, or as a specimen plant. Whether you're planting it in a sunny border or using it as a year-round focal point, this holly is sure to provide beauty and function to your landscape.

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