{"product_id":"ilex-nellie-stevens-standard-12-14cm-girth-65-litre-pot","title":"Holly Ilex Nellie Stevens Full Standard 12\/14cm Girth 65 Litre Pot","description":"\u003ch3\u003eIlex × koehneana 'Nellie R. Stevens' (Nellie Stevens Holly)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBold, vigorous, and impressively ornamental, \u003cstrong\u003eIlex × koehneana 'Nellie R. Stevens'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the finest evergreen hollies available to the modern gardener. A hybrid of exceptional quality, it combines a strong, broadly pyramidal habit with large, glossy dark green leaves and an outstanding capacity for producing dense clusters of vivid red berries that colour up reliably from autumn and persist well into winter. Few evergreen trees or large shrubs offer the same combination of striking seasonal interest, robust constitution, and year-round structural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the name suggests, \u003cstrong\u003eNellie Stevens Holly\u003c\/strong\u003e has long been prized for its dependability and ornamental abundance. Its foliage is bold and lustrous, with lightly spined leaves that catch the light beautifully through every season. Come autumn, the plant transforms into a spectacular display of rich scarlet berries — produced reliably and in generous quantity, making it one of the most rewarding berry-bearing hollies in cultivation. Unlike many fruiting hollies, 'Nellie R. Stevens' is largely self-fertile and will produce a good berry crop without necessarily requiring a male pollinator nearby, though the presence of one will enhance fruiting further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether grown as a bold specimen tree, a tall privacy screen, a windbreak, or an imposing formal hedge, \u003cstrong\u003eIlex × koehneana 'Nellie R. Stevens'\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers enduring structure and seasonal drama in equal measure. Its vigour, adaptability, and year-round beauty make it a thoroughly rewarding long-term addition to gardens of all scales and styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in full sun to partial shade. A position in good light encourages the densest, most vigorous growth and the richest berry production, though 'Nellie R. Stevens' adapts well to partially shaded conditions and remains handsome and healthy in less sunny aspects. A sheltered spot is preferable in exposed or particularly cold regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It performs best in fertile, moisture-retentive ground that does not become waterlogged. Reasonably adaptable to a range of soil types, including heavier loams and clay soils, provided drainage is adequate. Incorporating organic matter at planting time will support strong early establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy throughout most of the UK and tolerant of a broad range of garden conditions, including urban environments where it copes well with pollution. Established plants are robust and long-lived, though young plants in particularly exposed positions may benefit from some protection during their first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water consistently after planting to support strong root development. Once well established, 'Nellie R. Stevens' shows good resilience during dry periods, but supplementary watering during prolonged dry spells — particularly in free-draining soils or in the first couple of seasons after planting — will encourage healthier, more vigorous growth and better berry production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a balanced general fertiliser or a fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants in spring to support healthy growth and maintain the richness of the foliage. Mulching around the base each spring or autumn helps conserve soil moisture, moderate root temperature, and suppress competing weeds — all of which contribute to a healthier and more productive plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Nellie R. Stevens' naturally develops a well-proportioned, broadly pyramidal form that requires relatively little intervention to maintain. Where a more formal or contained shape is desired, pruning is best carried out in late spring or early summer, once any new growth has flushed. Hard trimming should be avoided in late summer or autumn, as this can reduce the following season's berry display. The plant responds well to shaping and can be clipped into a formal hedge or maintained as a neat specimen with regular light attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePests and disease:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally robust and trouble-free, with good resistance to the common problems that affect many other evergreen shrubs. Holly leaf miner can occasionally cause superficial leaf markings but rarely causes significant harm to the overall vigour or appearance of the plant. 'Nellie R. Stevens' is a reliable, low-maintenance choice that rewards good establishment conditions with many years of healthy, ornamental performance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57677574504774,"sku":"174344","price":495.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/4fc91ab0-535f-4cc3-aadf-0b5a40fbb9f9_800x800_9022cb9a-5397-46db-aee0-6b93385976a8.jpg?v=1792657825","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/ilex-nellie-stevens-standard-12-14cm-girth-65-litre-pot","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}