Nellie R. Stevens Holly
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate to Fast (2-3 ft/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens') is a hybrid between English Holly and Chinese Holly that produces glossy, dark-green, lightly spined foliage and a dense pyramidal form reaching 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. It is self-fruiting, meaning a single plant sets its heavy crop of bright red winter berries without a separate male pollinator, which is not true of most hollies. This makes it one of the most reliable screening and specimen plants for Lawrenceville landscapes where homeowners want privacy plus winter berry color for birds. It handles Georgia's clay soil and summer humidity better than boxwood or laurel, and shows strong resistance to the leaf spot and root rot issues common in wet Piedmont clay. Growth is moderate to fast at 2 to 3 feet per year, slower than Green Giant Arborvitae but denser and more formal in habit, which is why it is frequently chosen for foundation screens and property-line hedges that need to stay narrower than a fast conifer.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 15-25 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 10-15 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate — weekly until established, then drought tolerant |
| Bloom Season | N/A (small spring flowers, grown for foliage and berries) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast (2-3 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Site in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; in heavy Gwinnett County clay, plant slightly high (the top of the root ball 1-2 inches above grade) and mound soil to the sides rather than digging deep. Water deeply twice weekly the first growing season. For a hedge, space plants 6-8 feet apart; for a single specimen, allow 10-15 feet of clearance. Light shaping after the spring flush encourages denser branching.
Fast Facts
- Mature height: 15-25 ft, width 10-15 ft
- Self-fruiting — no male holly needed for red winter berries
- Growth rate: 2-3 ft per year
- Evergreen, glossy dark green foliage with light spines
- Deer resistant, tolerates Georgia clay and summer heat
- Berries are toxic if ingested by pets — not pet safe
Pairs Well With
Nellie R. Stevens Holly FAQs
Does Nellie R. Stevens Holly need a male plant to produce berries?
No, Nellie R. Stevens Holly is self-fruiting and produces its bright red berries without a separate male pollinator plant. This sets it apart from most holly species and is a major reason it's favored for reliable winter color in Georgia landscapes.
How tall does Nellie R. Stevens Holly get?
Nellie R. Stevens Holly typically matures to 15-25 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, though it can be pruned and maintained shorter as a formal hedge. Left unpruned it forms a dense pyramidal tree, making it suitable for tall privacy screens or as a specimen.
Is Nellie R. Stevens Holly toxic to dogs?
Yes, the berries and leaves of Nellie R. Stevens Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset if pets ingest them. Plant it away from areas where dogs graze on fallen berries, and rake up dropped berries near pet play areas.