Ilex Nellie Stevens Standard Tree

• Height: 1.8m clear stem with rounded evergreen crown

• Spread: 1.5-2m mature canopy at fully grown

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils

• Hardiness: Exceptionally hardy in English/Irish conditions

• Growth Rate: Moderate •

Evergreen: Dense, glossy foliage year-round

• Berries: Abundant bright red berries

Meet the aristocrat of the holly family – a tree that embodies elegance, resilience, and timeless Irish garden tradition. Our Ilex Nellie Stevens standard rises gracefully on its 1.8-metre stem, crowned with a perfectly sculpted head of the most lustrous dark green foliage that catches and reflects light like polished emeralds throughout the year.

This remarkable hybrid combines the best of both worlds: the classic beauty of English holly with the robust constitution needed to thrive in our ever-changing Irish climate. Her glossy, spined leaves create a dense, architectural canopy that provides year-round structure and privacy, while in autumn and winter, she adorns herself with clusters of brilliant scarlet berries that glow like tiny lanterns against the dark foliage.

Unlike many hollies, Nellie Stevens is self-fertile, meaning she’ll reward you with her spectacular berry display without needing a male companion nearby. These jewel-bright fruits not only bring winter magic to your garden but also provide a vital food source for native birds during the lean months, making your garden a true wildlife sanctuary.

Whether standing as a formal sentinel flanking your entrance, creating a sophisticated focal point in a mixed border, or adding winter drama to your favourite garden vista, this distinguished standard brings decades of reliable beauty and seasonal celebration to your outdoor space.

Planting: Select a position in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil – this adaptable beauty tolerates most soil types from clay to sandy loam. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, ensuring the root flare sits level with the surrounding ground. Backfill with native soil enriched with compost, water deeply, and apply a generous mulch layer, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Care: Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots. Once settled, Nellie Stevens is remarkably drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain the rounded crown shape, removing any shoots on the clear stem promptly. This variety responds well to shaping and can be kept compact if desired.

Seasonal Notes: The berry display typically begins in late autumn and persists through winter, providing months of colour. Young trees may take 2-3 years to produce their first significant berry crop. In exposed locations, the dense foliage provides excellent wind protection for more tender plants nearby.

Companion Planting: Create stunning winter combinations with silver-stemmed birch, ornamental grasses, and early spring bulbs. The dark foliage provides perfect contrast for pale flowers like hellebores, snowdrops, and winter-flowering heathers. Underplant with evergreen ferns for a sophisticated woodland feel.

Wildlife Value: The dense branching provides excellent nesting sites for birds, while the long-lasting berries feed thrushes, blackbirds, and other native species throughout winter.