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Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'
55L pot • Standard form • Supplied approximately 350cm tall
Plant Highlights: Glossy evergreen foliage • Bright red berries • Elegant standard form • Excellent year-round structure • Ideal specimen for large gardens
Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens' is a vigorous evergreen holly valued for its dense, glossy dark green foliage and reliable display of bright red berries. Trained as a standard, it forms a rounded evergreen crown on a clear stem, creating an impressive architectural feature that provides structure and colour throughout the year.
This hybrid holly combines a naturally upright habit with excellent resilience, making it a superb choice for formal landscapes, entranceways and spacious gardens. The vibrant berries provide valuable seasonal interest from autumn into winter, contrasting beautifully with the rich evergreen foliage.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens' |
| Common Name | Nellie Stevens Holly |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub trained as a standard |
| Foliage | Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves with lightly spined margins |
| Flower | Small white flowers |
| Flowering Period | Late spring |
| Fruit | Bright red berries from autumn into winter |
| Growth Habit | Rounded evergreen crown on a clear stem |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade |
| Soil | Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; tolerant of a range of soil types with good drainage |
| Mature Height | The clear stem remains at its trained height while the crown gradually develops; if grown naturally as a shrub or tree it can reach approximately 6–8m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 3–5m |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy and well suited to Irish gardens. |
Plant in full sun or partial shade. It performs well in both sheltered and moderately exposed locations and is suitable for coastal areas where exposure is not severe.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, particularly for container-grown specimens.
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Incorporate organic matter before planting to encourage healthy establishment and avoid prolonged waterlogging.
Fully hardy throughout Ireland. Apply an annual mulch around the base to help conserve soil moisture and improve soil structure.
Pruning is rarely required beyond maintaining the shape of the crown. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring if necessary.
'Nellie R. Stevens' is notable for producing abundant berries without requiring a nearby male holly in most situations, although the presence of other hollies nearby can enhance fruit production. The supplied height of approximately 350cm refers to the plant at the time of sale, while future growth develops mainly within the rounded crown.
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