The berries of all holly bushes are toxic to humans and animals.
Soil
A well-draining and slightlyacidicsoil is best for this hybrid.
Water
This shrub needs only needs 1 to 2 inches of water weekly, but no more.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Do not overwater or root rot will occur.
It can live in an area where there is drought.
Temperature and Humidity
Nellie R. Stevens holly can be easily grown inUSDA plant hardiness zones6-9.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It enjoys warm weather but can tolerate frost conditions.
Fertilizer
Feed your holly in the spring with a 10-10-10 slow-release food.
Pruning
Nellie R. Steven’s hollies should be pruned in mid-to-late fall or early spring.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This bush maintains its pyramidal shape without much pruning.
When it is to be treated as a specimen tree, purchase the tree form.
Though pest control is rarely needed, always look out forscale,spider mites, andwhitefly.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
There are also highly specializedleafminersthat feed wholly or mainly on specific kinds of holly:Phytomyza ilicicolaattacksI.
opaca, while the target ofP.
Spray organicneem oilon your plants when you find evidence of insect attacks.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Nellie R. Stevens is also susceptible toroot rot, canker, and chlorosis.
Root rot can be remedied by making sure the shrub is planted in well-draining soil.
What do Nellie R. Stevens Holly’s Flowers Look Like?
Nellie R. Stevens produces white flowers with red berries.
If the soil is extremely dry or has poor drainage, your plant may not bloom.
Hollies are generally dioecious plants, so you usually need both a male and a female for fruit production.
Such technicalities aside, it is still better to provide a male: Doing so will produce more fruit.
The male counterpart is Ilex x ‘Edward J.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can indicate chlorosis, an iron deficiency.
The yellowing leaves may have veins that remain dark green.
This typically happens if the bush is overwatered or the soil has poor drainage.
Either pull back on watering or amend the soil for better drainage.
Browning Leaves
Browning leaves can mean canker has attacked the shrub.
To slow down the problem, immediately prune out the affected areas.
A fast-growing shrub, the Nellie R. Stevens holly plant can grow 3 feet in a year.
The shrub was named for Nellie Robinson Stevens, in whose garden the original hybrid plant was produced.
Poisonous Berries.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
