Nellie R Stevens Holly
Best evergreen for creating privacy and year round beauty.
The Nellie R Stevens Holly is a robust, upright evergreen tree celebrated for its dense, glossy, dark green foliage that provides year-round color. It produces striking bright red berries in the fall and winter, adding seasonal appeal. Its rapid growth and dense branching make it an excellent choice for creating tall hedges or serving as a prominent specimen plant. This holly adapts well to various settings, offering both aesthetic beauty and practical screening in landscapes.
$18.25
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1914
/ 3331
#1914 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Mature Height
20
/ feet
Who it's for
- Homeowners desiring consistent garden beauty and winter color
- Gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, hardy, and reliable evergreen
- Property owners needing a tall, dense, and natural privacy solution
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or small urban yards
- Individuals preferring a truly hands-off, no-pruning landscape
- Families with curious children or pets who might ingest berries
Performance breakdown
Privacy Screening
Dense branching and rapid growth create an effective, tall natural barrier.
Seasonal Versatility
Glossy evergreen foliage pairs perfectly with vibrant winter berries.
Growth Rate
Establishes height quickly for those seeking immediate landscape impact.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across diverse soil types and handles heat once established.
Maintenance Ease
Requires moderate watering but demands little beyond standard seasonal care.
Wildlife Compatibility
Not deer resistant, requiring protection in areas with high browsing pressure.
Key Specs
Mature Height
20 feet
Mature Spread
14 feet
Bloom Season
Spring
Flower Color
Soft white
Growth Rate
Fast
Deer Resistant
No
Drought Tolerant
Yes
Fragrant
No
Features
- Fast-growing evergreen with dense foliage and red berries
- Provides year-round color and seasonal interest with berries
- Ideal for privacy screens and hedges
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Tolerant of drought and heat once established
- Glossy, dark green leaves
- Produces bright red berries
- Comes with a 1-year planting guarantee
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the Nellie R Stevens Holly upon arrival. Many reviewers highlight the careful packaging, ensuring plants reach their destination in excellent condition, ready for planting. The ease of establishment and vigorous growth are frequently mentioned, suggesting a reliable and resilient plant. Gardeners appreciate its ability to thrive, quickly adding privacy and beauty to landscapes. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying purchase for those seeking a dependable, attractive evergreen.
Know before you buy
This variety is known for its fast growth rate, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens. While growth speed can vary based on local climate and soil conditions, you can expect it to establish itself quickly and fill in densely over a few seasons.
The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is quite versatile and performs well in both full sun and partial shade. For the densest foliage and the most prolific berry production, planting it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is recommended.
No, the bright red berries produced by the Nellie R. Stevens Holly are not edible for humans. They are primarily ornamental, providing seasonal color throughout the fall and winter months.
No, this holly is not considered deer resistant. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may need to use protective measures or deterrents to keep them from browsing on the foliage.
Once established, this holly is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. It benefits from moderate watering during dry spells and can be pruned occasionally if you wish to maintain a specific shape or height for your hedge.
The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9. If you are unsure of your zone, check your local extension office or a hardiness zone map to ensure your climate falls within this range.
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