Holly: Ilex: Nellie R. Stevens: Half Standard

Holly 'Nellie R. Stevens' Half Standard - Ilex

Create an elegant focal point with a Holly 'Nellie R. Stevens' Half Standard. This beautifully trained topiary features a lollipop-shaped head of glossy evergreen foliage atop a clear stem. This vigorous hybrid holly is prized for its glossy, very dark green spiny leaves and abundant display of bright orange-red berries that persist throughout winter, providing valuable food for wildlife and adding festive charm to your garden.

Key Features

• Elegant Form: Half standard (lollipop) shape creates formal, architectural appeal
• Glossy Dark Green Foliage: Very dark green spiny leaves with attractive evergreen appearance
• Abundant Berries: Bright orange-red berries in autumn and winter create spectacular display
• Fragrant Flowers: White flowers in early summer attract bees and pollinators
• Wildlife Friendly: Berries provide essential winter food for birds
• Evergreen: Maintains its attractive appearance throughout all seasons
• Hardy: Reliable and easy to grow in UK gardens

Growing Information

Overall Height: Approximately 2-2.5m (including head)
Head Diameter: 60-80cm
Ultimate Height: 8m if left unpruned (easily maintained at desired height)
Ultimate Spread: 4-6m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, tolerates most soil types
Hardiness: Fully hardy (H5)

Planting & Care

Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil. Position in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring. Trim in late spring or summer to maintain the topiary shape and encourage dense growth. Holly is dioecious (separate male and female plants) - 'Nellie R. Stevens' is a female variety that produces abundant berries when a male pollinator is nearby. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Perfect For

• Container planting on patios and terraces
• Formal gardens and structured planting schemes
• Creating focal points and specimen features
• Framing doorways and entrances
• Adding winter interest and festive charm
• Wildlife-friendly gardens
• Year-round architectural features

Why Choose Holly 'Nellie R. Stevens' Half Standard?

Holly 'Nellie R. Stevens' is renowned for its exceptional berry production and vigorous growth. The half standard form combines elegant structure with spectacular winter berries, creating a stunning focal point that's particularly beautiful during the festive season. This is a long-lived plant that becomes more beautiful with age, providing year-round interest and wildlife value.

Available at Stoneybrook Nursery, Lancashire - Quality topiary and specimen plants for UK gardens.