Nellie R.Stevens Holly Feathered Trees – Ilex Mutchagara Nellie R. Stevens

£6.79£1,999.79

Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees (Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’) are a versatile and low-maintenance evergreen option for UK gardens. Their dense foliage, vibrant red berries, and adaptability make them ideal for hedges, screens, or as ornamental specimen trees. With wildlife-friendly features and striking year-round appeal, they are a valuable addition to any landscape.

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Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees (Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)

Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, commonly known as Nellie R. Stevens Holly, is a vigorous evergreen tree admired for its dense, glossy foliage and vibrant red berries. A hybrid of English holly (*Ilex aquifolium*) and Chinese holly (*Ilex cornuta*), this variety combines the best traits of both species, offering exceptional hardiness, adaptability, and ornamental value. Cultivated as Feathered specimens, these trees retain a balanced structure with a strong central leader, adding elegance and year-round interest to any landscape.

Features of Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees

Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees grow to a mature height of approximately 8 meters, with a spread of around 4 meters, forming a symmetrical, pyramidal shape. Their evergreen leaves are rich, glossy green with spiny edges, providing visual appeal throughout the year. In spring, small white flowers bloom, followed by a profusion of bright red berries in autumn that persist into winter, creating a striking seasonal display.

Why Choose Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees?

Nellie R. Stevens Holly is valued for its dense foliage, moderate growth rate, and versatility. Its natural pyramidal shape and thick canopy make it an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or as a standout specimen tree. The bright red berries not only enhance visual appeal but also attract birds, supporting local biodiversity. While partially self-fertile, berry production improves with the presence of a male pollinator, such as *Ilex aquifolium*.

Benefits for Nature

The dense foliage of Nellie R. Stevens Holly provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its white flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The bright red berries offer an important winter food source for birds, contributing to wildlife conservation during colder months. This tree is a fantastic addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.

Landscaping and Design Uses

The upright growth and dense foliage of Nellie R. Stevens Holly make it suitable for a range of garden styles. It is ideal for creating formal hedges or screens, providing privacy and wind protection. As a standalone specimen, its glossy leaves and vibrant berries create a striking focal point in both traditional and contemporary gardens. It responds well to pruning, making it suitable for topiary or structured shapes.

Growing Conditions

Nellie R. Stevens Holly thrives in moist but well-drained soil and adapts to various soil types, including clay, loam, sand, and chalk. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy across the UK, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C. Regular watering during the establishment phase promotes strong root development, while mature trees require minimal maintenance. Pruning in early spring helps maintain their shape and encourages new growth.

Fun Fact

Did you know? Nellie R. Stevens Holly is named after an American horticulturist who discovered this naturally occurring hybrid. Its ability to produce berries without a nearby male pollinator makes it a unique and reliable addition to any garden.

Summary

Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees (Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’) are a versatile and low-maintenance evergreen option for UK gardens. Their dense foliage, vibrant red berries, and adaptability make them ideal for hedges, screens, or as ornamental specimen trees. With wildlife-friendly features and striking year-round appeal, they are a valuable addition to any landscape.

Disclaimer

The appearance of Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees may vary depending on the season and maturity at the time of purchase. Ensure proper care during the establishment phase for optimal growth and longevity. Please note that the berries are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered Trees (Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)
How fast do Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees grow?

Nellie R. Stevens Holly trees are known for their rapid growth, typically adding 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) per year under optimal conditions. This vigorous growth makes them an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or hedges in a relatively short time.

Are Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees suitable for my garden or project?

Yes, these versatile evergreens are suitable for various landscaping projects, including specimen plants, hedges, or privacy screens. Their dense, pyramidal form and attractive red berries add year-round interest to gardens and landscapes. They can reach heights of 6–8 meters (20–25 feet) with a spread of 3–4 meters (10–15 feet), so ensure adequate space for their mature size.

What soil conditions do Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees need?

Nellie R. Stevens Holly thrives in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, provided there is good drainage. While they prefer moist conditions, established plants exhibit moderate drought tolerance.

Are Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees low-maintenance?

Yes, these hollies are relatively low-maintenance. They require minimal pruning to maintain their shape and are generally free from serious pest and disease issues. Regular watering during the establishment phase is important, but once established, they tolerate a range of environmental conditions.

Do Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees lose their leaves in winter?

No, Nellie R. Stevens Holly trees are evergreen, retaining their glossy, dark green foliage throughout the year. This characteristic provides continuous visual interest and makes them valuable for winter landscapes.

Are Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees good for biodiversity?

Yes, the bright red berries produced by female Nellie R. Stevens Holly trees provide a food source for birds and other wildlife during the winter months. Additionally, the dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Are Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees suitable for urban environments?

Yes, these hollies are well-suited to urban settings due to their tolerance of pollution and adaptability to various soil conditions. Their dense growth habit makes them effective as privacy screens or windbreaks in city gardens.

How tall do Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees grow?

In optimal conditions, Nellie R. Stevens Holly trees can reach mature heights of 6–8 meters (20–25 feet) with a spread of 3–4 meters (10–15 feet). Their naturally pyramidal shape adds vertical interest to the landscape.

Do Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees produce berries?

Yes, female Nellie R. Stevens Holly trees produce abundant red berries in autumn, persisting into winter. While they are partially self-fertile, planting a male holly nearby can enhance berry production. The berries, though attractive, are highly toxic if ingested by humans and pets.

What makes Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees unique?

Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a hybrid between English holly (*Ilex aquifolium*) and Chinese holly (*Ilex cornuta*), combining desirable traits from both parents. Its dense, dark green foliage, rapid growth rate, and prolific red berries make it a standout choice for various landscaping applications.

What should I know about planting Nellie R. Stevens Holly Feathered trees?

Plant Nellie R. Stevens Holly in full sun to partial shade, ensuring well-drained soil. Space plants appropriately to accommodate their mature size. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Applying mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

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