{"product_id":"nellie-stevens-holly","title":"Nellie Stevens Holly","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCreate Dense Privacy Screens in Just 3–5 Years\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNellie Stevens Holly (\u003cem\u003eIlex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the fastest ways to build a thick, year-round privacy screen without waiting a decade for results. This broadleaf evergreen gains approximately 2–3 feet per year, filling in gaps along your property line with glossy dark green foliage and bright red berries that last through winter. If slow-growing privacy plants have left you frustrated and exposed, this hybrid holly shrub delivers the dense, beautiful screening your back yard deserves - in a fraction of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRapid Growth\u003c\/strong\u003e – Considered fast growing trees in the genus Ilex, Nellie Stevens Holly trees can add up to 3 feet of height each growing season under favorable conditions, letting you create privacy screens years ahead of most other hollies or broad leaf evergreens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear-Round Beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e – Dark green leaves with spiny margins stay vibrant in every season, while bright red berries appear in fall and persist through the winter months, adding striking seasonal interest when most plants look bare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, this holly is moderately drought resistant and thrives across various soil types with minimal intervention. No constant pruning schedules or fussy watering routines required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProven Durability\u003c\/strong\u003e – Hardy in USDA zones 6–9, this tree handles everything from coastal fog to inland heat across California's diverse climate conditions. It tolerates urban pollution, wind exposure, and occasional frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Design\u003c\/strong\u003e – Whether you need a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/tall-hedges-for-privacy\"\u003eprivacy hedge\u003c\/a\u003e, a windbreak for your outdoor living space, or a stunning pyramidal shape specimen tree, Nellie Stevens adapts to formal or natural landscape styles with ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/fast-growing-privacy-trees\"\u003efast growing privacy trees\u003c\/a\u003e are either conifers that shed brittle foliage or broadleaf plants that demand constant attention. Nellie Stevens Holly offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHybrid Vigor\u003c\/strong\u003e – A cross between \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hort.ifas.ufl.edu\/trees\/ILEXA.pdf\"\u003eChinese holly\u003c\/a\u003e (\u003cem\u003eIlex cornuta\u003c\/em\u003e) and English holly (\u003cem\u003eIlex aquifolium\u003c\/em\u003e), this hybrid combines the heat tolerance and adaptability of its Chinese parent with the ornamental beauty of its English parent. The result is a plant more vigorous and versatile than either species alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartial Self-Fertility\u003c\/strong\u003e – Unlike many other hollies that require separate male and female plants for any fruit set, Nellie Stevens can produce some berries without a nearby male pollinizer. For the heaviest display of red berries, planting male hollies within pollination range improves results - but you won't be left with bare branches if you skip them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia-Tested Performance\u003c\/strong\u003e – From coastal zones to foothill properties, this holly thrives where Leyland cypress and arborvitae often struggle with drought stress or pest pressure. Its dense branching and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/evergreen-trees\"\u003eevergreen\u003c\/a\u003ecanopy outperform many alternatives in our climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Nellie Stevens Holly Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Planting\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant your Nellie Stevens holly trees 5–6 feet apart (center to center) along your property line or desired screen location. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well drained soil. Early spring or fall planting gives roots time to establish before extreme temperatures arrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRapid Establishment\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply and regularly for the first 6–12 months while the root system develops in the surrounding soil. Mulch 2–3 inches deep around the base - keeping mulch away from the trunk - to conserve moisture and moderate native soil temperature during establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDense Privacy Screen\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch as your plants grow 2–3 feet annually, forming a solid living wall that reaches 15–25 feet tall. Within 3–5 years, you'll have a fully filled-in privacy screen with glossy dark green foliage from top to bottom, including the lower branches that many conifers tend to lose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\n\u003ccol\u003e\n\u003ccol\u003e\n\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIlex\u003c\/em\u003e × 'Nellie R. Stevens'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15–25 feet (up to 30 feet as specimen)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–15 feet spread\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–3 feet per year (fast growing)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUSDA 6–9 (ideal for California)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun to partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell drained, slightly acidic soil; adaptable to clay and most soil types\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring (small white flowers)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBerry Color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright red (fall through winter on female plants)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlossy dark green, leathery, 2.5–4 inches long with spiny margins\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40–75+ years under favorable conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis small tree was \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pryors.com\/2020\/03\/10\/nellie-stevens-holly-trees\/\"\u003eintroduced in 1954\u003c\/a\u003e based on seeds from a chance cross discovered by Nellie R. Stevens around 1900. Her niece Eunice Highley preserved the seedlings, and the cultivar was formally recognized, eventually becoming one of the most widely planted hollies in the nursery trade across North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking fast, reliable screening from neighbors or street noise along their property line\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners\u003c\/strong\u003e wanting year-round green coverage without regular pruning or high-maintenance care routines\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers\u003c\/strong\u003e creating natural windbreaks, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/hedging-plants-for-sale\"\u003ehedging installations\u003c\/a\u003e, or formal garden borders with seasonal interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife enthusiasts\u003c\/strong\u003e looking to attract birds with winter berries and provide shelter with dense evergreen foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardeners in challenging conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e who need a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/drought-tolerant\"\u003edrought tolerant\u003c\/a\u003e plant that handles varied climates, urban stress, and imperfect soil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a proven, fast-growing privacy solution that looks beautiful 365 days a year, Nellie Stevens Holly fits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast will Nellie Stevens Holly grow to create privacy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Under favorable conditions - organically rich, well drained soil with adequate water and full sun - expect 2–3 feet of new growth per year. Most homeowners achieve a functional privacy screen within 3–5 years. In harsher conditions or heavy shade, growth may slow to 1–2 feet annually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need special care?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nellie Stevens performs well across most of zones (zones 7–9 especially). In hot inland areas, provide some afternoon partial shade to prevent leaf scorch. If your native soil is alkaline, amend with slightly acidic compost or use Holly Tone fertilizer to prevent iron chlorosis. Once established, the plant is moderately drought resistant, though deep watering during extended dry spells keeps foliage at its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat pests or problems should I watch for?\u003c\/strong\u003e Tea scale is the most common pest, showing up as yellow splotchy foliage. Spider mites, leaf miners, and aphids can also appear. Treat infestations with horticultural oil. Avoid over-pruning, which encourages soft new growth susceptible to pests and powdery mildew or leaf spot. Prune in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need male and female plants for berries?\u003c\/strong\u003e Nellie Stevens is partially self-fertile, meaning female plants can produce some fruit without a nearby male pollinizer. However, for the most abundant berry display, planting a compatible male holly within pollination range significantly improves fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the berries safe for children and pets?\u003c\/strong\u003e Like most hollies, the berries and leaves are toxic if ingested. If you have young children or pets, consider placement carefully or remove berries in accessible areas during fall and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if I'm not sure about placement or spacing?\u003c\/strong\u003e Our team of can help. We offer consultation services to determine optimal placement based on your specific property, sun exposure, and soil conditions - so every plant performs at its best from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Transform Your Landscape?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNellie Stevens Holly delivers the fast, dense, beautiful screening you need - with glossy dark green foliage, bright red winter berries, and the kind of low-maintenance durability that California landscapes demand. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/privacy-trees\"\u003eBuy plants\u003c\/a\u003e today and start building your privacy screen this season.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Live Good Logistics","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft. \/ Single","offer_id":46424109875373,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-23-3G","price":89.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3 ft. \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":46424109908141,"sku":"sku-48833389658352","price":89.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8-10 inches \/ Single","offer_id":46424109940909,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-810-1G","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8-10 inches \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":46424109973677,"sku":"sku-48833389691120","price":89.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1-2 ft. \/ Single","offer_id":46424110006445,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-12-3G","price":69.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1-2 ft. \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":46424110039213,"sku":"sku-48833389723888","price":89.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 Gallon \/ Single","offer_id":46424110071981,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-NA-1G","price":39.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 Gallon \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":46424110104749,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-NA-1G-2PACK","price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Gallon \/ Single","offer_id":46424110137517,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-NA-3G","price":69.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Gallon \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":46424110170285,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-NA-3G-2PACK","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"7 Gallon \/ Single","offer_id":46424110203053,"sku":"FLT-HOL-NEL-NA-7G","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 Gallon \/ 2-Pack","offer_id":46424110235821,"sku":"sku-48833389822192","price":89.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/FLT-HOL-NEL-NA-3G_1.jpg?v=1782417055","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/nellie-stevens-holly","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}