Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’) is a hybrid evergreen shrub or small tree that is fast-growing, reaching 15–25 feet tall with a pyramidal or conical form. It features glossy, dark green, broadleaf evergreen foliage and produces abundant red berries without needing a separate male pollinator. This holly cultivar thrives in full sun to part shade in USDA Zones 6–9, preferring rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It’s an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and as a specimen plant due to its low maintenance, year-round interest, and berry production, although winter desiccation injury can occur.

• Type: Broadleaf evergreen hybrid
• Form: Conical to pyramidal shape, can be trained as a dense shrub or small tree
• Leaves: Glossy, deep green, alternate, simple, elliptic to oblong, 2-4 inches long, with 1-2 spines on each side
• Flowers: Small, greenish-white, and inconspicuous
• Fruit: Bright red berries that are produced without a male pollinator
• Sun: Full sun to part shade 
• Hedges and Screens: Its rapid growth rate (up to 3 feet per year) and dense foliage make it an ideal choice for privacy hedges
• Specimen Plant: Its attractive pyramidal form and year-round color make it a great accent
• Pollinator Attraction: Its small flowers attract pollinators in the spring
• Winter Interest: The red berries provide beautiful winter color, attracting birds like cedar waxwings