Young American Holly tree | Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens'

Abundant Fruit Setting

The Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens', also known as the American holly, is an evergreen tree with a rich fruit setting in the fall.

This American holly is a crossbreed between a regular Ilex aquifolium and another Ilex cultivar that produces an enormous amount of berries, making it widely used.

Flowering

In the period of April-May, the Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' blooms with inconspicuous flowers that form the basis for the fruiting.

Fruits

In the months of October-November-December, the Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' displays an abundance of orange-red berries, which is the tree's main ornamental feature.

These berries are enjoyed by various bird species and can remain on the tree well into winter if not consumed.

Christmas Decoration

The branches of this American holly are also widely used for Christmas decoration, as the glossy green leaves contrast beautifully with the orange-yellow berries.

Evergreen

The Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' is evergreen, meaning that its leaves remain on the tree even in winter. This provides color in your garden, and if planted in the right location, it can offer privacy during a season when all other plants and trees have shed their leaves.

How to plant the tree?

1. Determine the final location of the tree and ensure it is free from cables, debris, old plants, and other obstacles that may hinder the tree's growth.
2. Dig a planting hole that is twice the width of the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the planting hole and mix the excavated soil with (organic) garden soil or planting substrate.
3. Adjust the planting hole to the height where the root ball fits and firmly press the soil.
4. Fill the planting hole with water and wait for it to settle. Check if the root ball is sufficiently moist.
5. Place the tree or plant in the planting hole. It is extremely important that the tree is not planted too deep, as this can cause root rot.
6. Insert a tree stake or bamboo stake firmly into the ground on the side of the tree where the most wind comes from.
7. Now, place the watering ring or create a mound of soil around the tree so that water can seep into the ground.

Why Choose a Young Tree from Amitis

• Easy to plant yourself due to the compact size and light weight
• Conveniently delivered to your home in a sturdy packaging
• Experience the growth and development of your own tree
• Easy to maintain
• Cultivate the size and growth form you are looking for
• Attain mature size within a short time
• Can be planted year-round as everything is delivered in pots
• No root loss and better chances of establishment as everything is pot-grown
• Cost-effective purchase
• Fresh, healthy plants directly from the grower

Questions?

Want to know more about pruning? Read our page on tree maintenance! Feel free to contact us; we are happy to assist!