Nellie R Stevens Holly Tree Form
Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Nellie R Stevens Holly Tree Form
Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’Nellie R. Stevens Holly Tree Form is a sophisticated evergreen specimen cultivated to grow with a single trunk and a full, pyramidal canopy. This formal tree form showcases dense, dark green, glossy leaves year-round, paired with a striking display of bright red berries in fall and winter. With mature dimensions of 20 feet in height and 14 feet in width, it serves beautifully as a screen, specimen tree, or architectural accent in both residential and commercial settings.
- Evergreen tree form
- Fast growth rate with clean, upright structure
- Glossy dark green foliage
- Bright red berries in fall and winter
- Ideal for specimen planting or formal landscapes
Nellie R. Stevens Holly Tree Form thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Heat-tolerant and drought-resistant once established, it adapts well to urban conditions across Texas. Hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, this elegant holly tree combines year-round beauty and seasonal interest with minimal care.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly Tree Form is a versatile, low-maintenance evergreen that thrives in Texas landscapes, providing year-round beauty and winter berry interest.
- Watering: Water consistently during the first growing season to help establish strong, deep roots. Once established, it requires minimal supplemental watering except during extended dry spells. Deep watering encourages healthy root systems, while overwatering can lead to root issues.
- Pruning: Light pruning once or twice a year helps maintain its pyramidal shape. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing any damaged, crossing, or weak branches. Avoid pruning late in the season to protect developing flower buds that will produce berries.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees in early spring. Established trees rarely need heavy feeding, but a light application encourages robust foliage and abundant berry production.
- Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest buildup.
- Winter Care: Hardy and evergreen, Nellie R. Stevens Holly Tree Form withstands frost and cold temperatures well. Mulching the root zone during harsh winters helps protect young trees and maintain leaf vitality.
Leaf Drop: Occasional leaf loss can occur after transplanting, drought, or environmental stress. Maintain even soil moisture and a mulch layer to encourage recovery.
- Scale Insects: Small bumps on stems or leaves that can cause yellowing. Treat with horticultural oil during dormancy or insecticidal soap during active growth.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippled or faded foliage, especially in hot, dry weather. Rinse leaves with water or apply neem oil if needed.
- Sooty Mold: Black residue from sap-sucking insects. Controlling the underlying pests will gradually remove the mold.
- Iron Chlorosis: Yellowing between leaf veins, common in alkaline soils. Applying an iron supplement or soil acidifier restores rich green foliage.
With proper care, it can live 50 years or more, providing decades of evergreen structure, shade, and seasonal interest with minimal maintenance. Its longevity makes it a strong investment for long-term landscape planning.
It grows moderately to fast, typically reaching maturity in 10-15 years. Once established, its dense pyramidal form naturally fills in beautifully, requiring very little shaping while providing reliable privacy or visual impact.
Yes - mature female trees reliably produce clusters of bright red berries each winter. Pollination by a nearby male holly enhances berry production, and the berries persist well into winter, adding striking color to the landscape.
Yes, deer generally avoid this holly due to its tough, spiny leaves. Its resistance to browsing makes it an excellent choice for rural, suburban, and wildlife-prone areas where deer or rabbits are a concern.
Yes, Nellie R. Stevens Holly adapts well to large, deep containers with excellent drainage. Container-grown trees may require more frequent watering in hot weather, but they make stunning focal points on patios or near entryways.
Extremely well. This holly thrives in hot, humid summers, maintaining rich green foliage and overall health even during prolonged periods of high temperatures. Its resilience makes it ideal for southern landscapes.
Yes, it is hardy across a wide range of climates and retains foliage through freezing temperatures. Mulching around the base and watering well before hard freezes helps young trees withstand harsher winter conditions.
Absolutely. Its naturally dense branching and pyramidal form respond well to light shearing, making it perfect for privacy hedges, windbreaks, or formal landscape designs while staying evergreen year-round.
Remove one or two of the oldest branches at the base in late winter. This encourages vigorous new growth from the center, restoring fullness and improving berry production while maintaining the tree’s natural shape.
Yes - it tolerates heat, wind, pollution, and compacted soils, making it ideal for city streets, office landscapes, and large-scale public plantings. Its evergreen presence and bright red berries add year-round beauty with minimal maintenance.
Special Features
You might also like
Compare Similar Plants
Nellie R Stevens Holly Tree Form This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ | Ilex × attenuata ‘Eagleston’ |
| Size at Maturity | 20' H x 14' W | 20' H x 14' W |
| Leaf Retention | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Sizes Available | 45 Gal | 7, 15, 30, 45, 65, 95 gal |
Our 1-Year Planting Guarantee
We take pride in our plants and installation services. If any plants or trees installed by Treeland fail to thrive within the first year, we'll provide a replacement credit in accordance with our guarantee program.
Learn More About Our Guarantee