Overview
Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a vigorous evergreen hybrid valued for glossy deep-green foliage, dense screening, and bright red fruit on established plants.
Mature Size and Habit
Unpruned plants commonly reach 15 to 30 feet tall and 8 to 15 feet wide, sometimes broader with age.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it for privacy screens, windbreaks, tall hedges, or a large evergreen focal point.
Sunlight
Full sun produces the densest growth and strongest fruit display, while partial sun is tolerated. Avoid deep shade, where branching becomes open and flowering and fruiting decline.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Plant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and mulch the broad root zone. Water deeply during establishment, then during extended drought. It adapts to several soil textures but should not remain in saturated soil.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Fall through early spring is preferred because cooler weather encourages root growth before summer heat.
Pruning and Maintenance
Train a strong central structure when young and prune in late winter or after fruit display. Frequent shearing creates a formal hedge but increases labor and can hide the plant's natural form. Remove crossing, storm-damaged, or poorly attached branches.
Wildlife Value
Spring flowers support bees, dense evergreen branching offers cover, and red fruits feed birds.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
This holly tolerates Central Florida heat and brief winter cold once established. Newly planted roots need mulch and irrigation through hot dry spells, and tender growth can be injured by an exceptional freeze.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Leaves have sharp points, and berries may cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten by people or pets. Place away from narrow walkways and play areas. Roots are not usually destructive, but the tree's ultimate size requires generous clearance from paving and foundations.
Invasive Concerns
Nellie R. Stevens Holly is not listed as an invasive Florida landscape plant.
Helpful Resources
Review the NC State Extension plant profile and UF/IFAS holly guidance for mature dimensions, cultural needs, and management.