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Arbor Buddy
Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens') — mature, plantedBestseller

Shrubs & Hedges

Nellie Stevens Holly

Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'

A fast, dense evergreen privacy screen with glossy leaves and bright red berries.

$15

Ships in 1-2 weeks.

Height: 1-2 ft.

Quantity

1

FREE shipping on orders over $99.

  • 1-Year Guarantee — free replacement
  • Free shipping over $99
  • Ships in 1-2 weeks
  • Delivered ready to plant

1-2 ft.

$15

Privacy ScreenEvergreenFast GrowingAttracts BirdsDeer Resistant

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Why you'll love it

A fast, easy way to a finished landscape

A fast grower — expect quick, satisfying progress every season.

Growth rate
Fast
Mature size
15 ft. - 25 ft. tall · 8 ft. - 12 ft. wide
Hardy in
USDA zones 6–9
  • Privacy Screen
  • Evergreen
  • Fast Growing
  • Attracts Birds

How to space Nellie Stevens Holly

For a solid, fast-filling privacy screen, plant in a straight row about 5 ft. - 6 ft. apart (center to center). For an even denser wall, stagger a second row behind the first.

5 ft. - 6 ft.5 ft. - 6 ft.5 ft. - 6 ft.5 ft. - 6 ft.

The Arbor Buddy difference

Why buy from us

Grown to thrive. Established, well-rooted plants shipped at the right size — not bare twigs.

Matched to your zone. Set your USDA zone and we show you exactly what will flourish where you live.

Backed for a year. Every tree is covered by our 1-Year Alive & Thrive Guarantee.

About this tree

Nellie Stevens Holly is the go-to evergreen for fast privacy, growing up to 3 ft. per year into a dense pyramid 15-25 ft. tall and 8-12 ft. wide. Its glossy dark-green leaves stay handsome year-round and it produces abundant red berries that attract birds, all without needing a separate male pollinator. Hardy across USDA zones 6-9, it's heat-tolerant, deer-resistant, and adaptable to most soils. Plant 5-6 ft. apart for a quick, formal privacy hedge or use a single plant as a specimen.

USDA hardiness zones 6–9

Set your zone in the header to see if this tree thrives where you live.

Plant details

Mature height
15 ft. - 25 ft.
Mature width
8 ft. - 12 ft.
Growth rate
Fast
USDA zones
6-9
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Water needs
Moderate
Soil
Adaptable, Well Drained
Spacing
5 ft. - 6 ft.

Full planting & care

Planting+

Choose a spot with full sun or partial sun and adaptable, well drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground, backfill, and water in well. Space about 5 ft. - 6 ft. from other plants.

Watering+

Water deeply about once a week while it establishes, then ease off as roots take hold.

Fertilizing+

Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. A second light feeding in early summer supports vigorous growth. Avoid fertilizing late in the season.

Pruning+

Prune lightly in late winter to shape; for a formal hedge, trim the sides and top once or twice through the growing season to keep it dense.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a male holly for berries?+

No. Nellie Stevens produces berries without a separate male pollinator, though a nearby male can boost berry set.

How far apart should I plant them for a hedge?+

Space them 5-6 ft. apart for a dense, formal privacy screen.

How fast does it grow?+

It's a fast grower, often adding up to 3 ft. per year, filling in a screen quickly.

What zones is it hardy in?+

It thrives across USDA zones 6 through 9 and tolerates heat well.

Shipping

Orders $99+
FREE shipping
Orders under $99
$20 flat
Lead time
Ships in 1–2 weeks via ground carrier

Compare similar trees

Nellie Stevens HollyThis treeEndless Summer HydrangeaTri-Color Dappled WillowPhenomenal Lavender
Mature height15 ft. - 25 ft.3 ft. - 5 ft.8 ft. - 10 ft.2 ft. - 3 ft.
Mature width8 ft. - 12 ft.3 ft. - 5 ft.6 ft. - 8 ft.2 ft. - 4 ft.
Growth rateFastModerateFastModerate
SunlightFull Sun, Partial SunPartial Sun, Partial ShadeFull Sun, Partial SunFull Sun
USDA zones6–94–95–95–9

Your dream yard, without the hassle

Skip the trip

Big, landscape-grade trees delivered straight to your door — no hauling.

Huge selection

Shade, flowering, evergreen, fruit and more — matched to your USDA zone.

Nursery quality

Established, well-rooted plants grown to thrive, not just to ship.

Backed by us

Every tree carries our 1-Year Alive & Thrive Guarantee.