Nellie Stevens Holly, also known as Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'

A popular evergreen shrub that is widely used in landscaping and gardens. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Nellie Stevens Holly, along with its pros and cons:

FAQs

1. What is Nellie Stevens Holly?
Nellie Stevens Holly is a hybrid plant that is a cross between the English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and the Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta). It is named after Nellie R. Stevens, who was a plant breeder.

2. How tall does Nellie Stevens Holly grow?
This holly variety can reach heights of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters) and has a spread of about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters). It has a pyramidal shape and dense foliage.

3. What are the characteristics of Nellie Stevens Holly?
Nellie Stevens Holly has glossy, dark green leaves with spiny margins. It produces small white flowers in spring, which are followed by bright red berries in fall and winter. The berries are attractive to birds.

4. What are the benefits of planting Nellie Stevens Holly?

• Privacy screen: It grows into a dense, tall shrub, making it an excellent choice for creating privacy hedges or screens.
• Ornamental value: The glossy foliage, white flowers, and red berries add beauty to the landscape, especially during the winter months when many other plants are dormant.
• Low maintenance: Nellie Stevens Holly is relatively easy to care for and is resistant to pests and diseases.
• Drought tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to drought conditions.

5. Are there any drawbacks to planting Nellie Stevens Holly?

• Size: It can grow quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and size. If left unpruned, it can become overgrown and lose its neat appearance.
• Berries: While the red berries add beauty, they can be messy if they drop on walkways or patios.
• Spines: The spiny leaves can be sharp, so caution is advised when working near the plant, especially if you have children or pets.

Overall, Nellie Stevens Holly is popular for its attractive appearance, fast growth, and ability to create privacy screens. However, its large size and maintenance requirements should be considered before planting it in your garden or landscape.