Description

Nellie Stevens is a Fast Growing Holly Popular for Privacy

Nellie Stevens Holly is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs for creating privacy. Nellie Stevens Holly is considered one of the fastest growing holly shrubs with a growth rate of 3 feet a year. They have a natural pyramid shape, and dense foliage and grow up to 25 feet tall. To create a privacy hedge, plant them 6 to 8 feet apart.

Nellie Stevens is a female variety but it does not require a male to bear the classic red holly berries in winter.  Nellie Stevens can bear some of the classic red winter berries without a male to help pollinate her flowers. If you do want to consider a male to help ensure the most berries, Dwarf Burford is a great choice. If planted in the same vicinity, one male holly can pollinate 3 to 5 Nellie Stevens Hollies.

USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9

Planting & Care

Nellie Stevens Holly is relatively drought tolerant once established. They grow very slowly, however, without adequate water. This is especially true early on when it is growing new roots. Watering at least twice a week is recommended.

Nellie Stevens Holly trees grow well in a wide range of soils, ranging from all sand to compacted clay. Nellie Stevens has relatively shallow roots.  Mix your soil with organic compost or soil when planting in sandy or clay soils. Since the roots aren’t very deep, it is important to dig your planting hole about twice as wide as the container so the root system will be able to easily expand.

When planting any container tree or shrub, it is important not to plant it deeper than the pot. You should see the soil from the top of the plant when you’re done. Otherwise, you risk the stem rotting and your new plant could die.

Nellie Stevens Holly generally does not need pruning. If you want to keep it bushier, you can trim the top, central leader(s). General pruning can be done twice a year after new growth has emerged. It is not recommended to prune more than 3 to 4 inches at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Price Comparisons:

Since 2010 we have worked for 4 of the largest online plant nurseries. We have also visited (to evaluate) or ordered from over 50 online garden centers. We strive to compare prices from online nurseries we have experienced and send the highest quality plants at the lowest prices.  Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews, price comparisons, or the price you pay. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, to help you make the best choices.