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Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree (Ilex Aquifolium 'Nellie Stevens')

The Nellie Stevens Holly is a popular evergreen ornamental tree, prized for its glossy, dark green foliage, dense growth and vibrant red berries. Its naturally upright, bushy habit makes it a versatile choice for UK gardens, whether planted as a standalone feature, incorporated into a border or used to create a year-round privacy screen.
Also known as Ilex Nellie Stevens Holly, this attractive tree combines year-round greenery with seasonal interest. Its leathery, spiny-edged leaves provide a lush backdrop throughout the seasons, while clusters of colourful berries brighten the garden during autumn and winter.

Medium Growth Rate
White Flowers
Evergreen
Berries
Plant Guarantee

Planting Conditions: Ilex Nellie Stevens grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It adapts to a range of soil types, including clay, loam and sandy soils. Water regularly during its first growing seasons, particularly in dry weather, to encourage strong root development. Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
Growth Rate: A moderately fast-growing evergreen tree, Nellie Stevens Holly can add approximately 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) of growth per year under favourable conditions. Its growth rate depends on soil quality, sunlight and moisture.
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Select Size & Quantity

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Plants Quantity

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Pallet Quantity

Select Size & Quantity

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Plants Quantity
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 35L 100/125cm Cone	Regular price £145.20 Sale price £145.20 Regular price Unit price per
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 45L 125/150cm Cone	Regular price £156.09 Sale price £156.09 Regular price Unit price per
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 55L 150/175cm Cone	Regular price £216.59 Sale price £216.59 Regular price Unit price per
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 70L 175/200cm Cone	Regular price £272.25 Sale price £272.25 Regular price Unit price per

	Height cm	Price inc VAT	Planting Density	Pallet Quantity
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 35L 100/125cm Cone - 4 Trees	Regular price £522.72 Sale price £522.72 Regular price Unit price per
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 45L 125/150cm Cone - 4 Trees	Regular price £561.92 Sale price £561.92 Regular price Unit price per
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 55L 150/175cm Cone - 4 Trees	Regular price £779.72 Sale price £779.72 Regular price Unit price per
	Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Pot Grown 70L 175/200cm Cone - 4 Trees	Regular price £980.10 Sale price £980.10 Regular price Unit price per

Nellie Stevens Holly Ornamental Tree Description

The Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex aquifolium 'Nellie Stevens') is a vigorous, evergreen holly valued for its attractive foliage, dense branching and distinctive upright growth.

It is a hybrid holly, generally associated with Ilex aquifolium and Ilex cornuta parentage.

With a mature height of approximately 3–4.5 metres and a spread of 2–3 metres, it is well suited to gardens where year-round greenery and natural screening are desirable.

Its glossy, deep green leaves have a leathery texture and spiny margins, creating a dense canopy that retains its colour throughout the year.

In spring, small white flowers appear among the foliage, providing a source of nectar and pollen for visiting insects. These are followed by bright red berries in autumn and winter, adding seasonal colour and wildlife interest.

Nellie Stevens Holly is particularly useful for gardeners looking for an evergreen tree that offers both ornamental appeal and practical screening.

It can be planted as a specimen tree, incorporated into mixed borders or used to form a dense evergreen hedge. Its naturally full growth habit also makes it suitable for creating structure and privacy in larger gardens.

Pruning Advice

Nellie Stevens Holly is relatively easy to maintain and does not require frequent pruning to retain its attractive shape. The best time for routine pruning is late winter or early spring, avoiding periods of severe frost.

Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework and encourage good air circulation. If you wish to control its size or create a neater outline, lightly trim the outer growth using clean, sharp secateurs or pruning shears.

For gardeners growing Nellie Stevens Holly as a hedge or privacy screen, occasional trimming can help maintain a dense, uniform appearance.

Avoid cutting back excessively in one session, particularly on older growth. Keep in mind that pruning before the berries develop or removing flowering shoots may reduce the following season's berry display.

Wearing gardening gloves is recommended when pruning, as the spiny leaves can irritate or scratch the skin.

Further Information

Ornamental Value: Nellie Stevens Holly provides year-round garden interest through its glossy evergreen foliage, spring flowers and colourful autumn and winter berries. Its upright, dense habit makes it an attractive focal point for lawns, borders and structured garden designs.

Wildlife Support: The spring flowers attract pollinating insects, while the red berries provide a seasonal food source for birds. Its dense evergreen branches can also offer shelter for garden wildlife. Holly berries can be harmful to people and pets if eaten, so take care when planting in family gardens.

Adaptability: This versatile evergreen holly tolerates a range of soil types and grows well in both sunny and partially shaded positions. It is suitable for many UK gardens, provided the soil drains well and the tree has sufficient room to mature.

Low Maintenance: Once established, Nellie Stevens Holly is generally easy to care for and requires little routine attention. Occasional pruning, watering during prolonged dry spells and a suitable planting position will help maintain healthy growth and an attractive appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Nellie Stevens Holly suitable for growing in the UK?

Yes, Nellie Stevens Holly is suitable for many UK gardens. It is a hardy evergreen tree that tolerates a range of growing conditions, including full sun and partial shade. Plant it in well-drained soil and protect young trees from prolonged dry conditions while they establish.

2. Does Nellie Stevens Holly produce berries every year?

Nellie Stevens Holly can produce berries annually once mature, although the quantity varies with growing conditions, flowering and pollination. A suitable planting position and healthy growth can help support a good berry display. Young trees may take time to produce abundant fruit.

3. Can Nellie Stevens Holly be grown in a pot?

It can be grown in a large, sturdy container with adequate drainage, particularly when young. However, its vigorous growth and eventual size mean it will need plenty of root space. Choose a generously sized pot, use a free-draining compost and water consistently, as container-grown hollies dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground.

4. Is Nellie Stevens Holly suitable for use as a privacy hedge?

Yes, its dense evergreen foliage and upright growth make it a useful choice for privacy screening. Several trees can be planted in a row to create a substantial evergreen boundary. Allow sufficient spacing for their mature spread and consider the desired hedge height when choosing plant sizes.

5. Are Nellie Stevens Holly berries poisonous?

Yes, holly berries are considered toxic to people and pets if eaten and may cause digestive upset. Keep berries away from young children and animals, and seek appropriate medical or veterinary advice if ingestion occurs. The berries are a natural food source for some bird species.

Delivery & Returns

Enjoy convenient delivery of your Ilex Nellie Stevens Holly Tree, with free delivery available within 50 miles of our nursery. Deliveries beyond this area may also be available, depending on your location and order.

If you're unsure whether your property falls within our delivery area, please contact us before placing your order. Every plant is carefully prepared for delivery to help ensure it arrives in good condition.

For added peace of mind, your Ilex Nellie Stevens Holly Tree is covered by our 12 Month Guarantee on All Plants.

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