Ilex Nellie R. Stevens

Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' is a large ornamental holly, evergreen, with less spiny leaves than the common species, appreciated for its beautiful and abundant crimson berries in winter.

This hardy ornamental holly forms a compact, bushy and conical habit, reaching a height of 5-6m (16 ft 5 in-19 ft 8 in). Its evergreen leaves, 5 to 8cm (2 to 3.1 in) in length, alternate, ovate, single, with few spines, are shiny dark green. After inconspicuous cream-white flowering, numerous crimson and shiny fruits, about 1cm (0.4 in) in diameter, brighten the foliage from September. Highly decorative in winter, the Nellie R. Stevens holly is a dioecious bush, with only female plants producing berries, but at least one male plant is required for fertilization.

Slow growing, Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' thrives in well-drained, moist, humus-rich soil, without excessive limestone, in sunny or partially shady locations. During the first 5 years, training pruning is necessary in spring and then, to maintain a good habit, once a year at the same time. It can also be shaped into topiary forms.

Easy to cultivate, the 'Nellie R. Stevens' holly is a bush that can be used as a specimen, in dense hedges, or as a windbreak. It can be found in beds with decorative fruits that illuminate neglected areas of the garden, as well as in woodland settings. It is an ornamental shrub that can be seen as a topiary. It can also be grown in containers on terraces, for example.

Holly, a symbol of pagan and religious holidays, is often present on Christmas tables.