American Holly vs Nellie Stevens Holly
In the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in areas like Maryland, Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Northern West Virginia, choosing the perfect holly species for your garden is crucial for landscaping success. Two popular options are the native American Holly (Ilex opaca) and the hybrid Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’). Both offer unique characteristics, advantages, and considerations, making it essential to delve into a detailed comparison to make an informed decision for your landscape needs.
Geographical Suitability:
American Holly: Native to the eastern United States, American Holly thrives in regions with a humid climate like the Mid-Atlantic. It naturally occurs in wooded areas, particularly in moist, well-drained soils.
Nellie Stevens Holly: A hybrid of a Chinese Holly and English Holly, Nellie R. Stevens Holly is adaptable to various climates but particularly flourishes in the Mid-Atlantic region. Originally cultivated in Oxford, Maryland, it has become a popular choice throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Northern West Virginia. At Pryor’s Nursery, we have been locally growing and installing the Nellie Stevens Holly, ensuring high-quality trees for landscaping projects for over 40 years.
American Holly vs Nellie Stevens Holly –Pros and Cons:
American Holly – Native: Pros:
- Supports local biodiversity as a native species.
- Features distinctive green foliage with glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries on female plants. However, the leaves turn yellowish-green in the winter.
- Tolerant of shade, suitable for woodland gardens or partially shaded areas.
Cons:
- Slow growth may not meet immediate privacy screening needs.
- Prone to leafminers, which is a major issue with American Hollies in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Prone to leaf spot disease in humid climates without good air circulation.
- Requires both male and female plants for berry production, which might not be suitable for smaller landscapes.
- Dependency on the local ecosystem by supporting local biodiversity means the American Holly is more susceptible to local pests and diseases, requiring vigilant management to address potential threats.
- May need pruning to maintain desired shape and size.
Nellie Stevens Holly – Hybrid: Pros:
- Rapid growth rate ideal for quick privacy screening or hedging purposes.
- Dense, pyramidal growth habit with lustrous dark green foliage for year-round aesthetic appeal.
- Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and alkaline soils.
- Berries produced on female plants add ornamental value and a male plant is not required.
- Begin a hybrid plant makes the Nellie Stevens more disease resistant than native plants.
- Tolerant of partial shade.
Cons:
- May need pruning to maintain desired shape and size.
- Susceptible to scale insects and spider mites, particularly in stressed conditions.
Disease Resistance:
American Holly: Moderately resistant to diseases but tends to suffer from leaf spot diseases such as tar spot and powdery mildew, especially in humid climates/ poor draining soils. In our Mid-Atlantic region, we have also seen a lot of damage to the American Hollies due to leafminers.
Nellie Stevens Holly: Generally resistant to most common holly diseases but can be prone to infestations by scale insects and spider mites, particularly during drought or stress.
Deer Resistance:
Both American Holly and Nellie Stevens Holly are considered “deer-resistant”, though deer will still nibble on foliage in extreme conditions. During periods of food scarcity, such as over-population of deer, heavy snow on the ground, and drought, deer will eat the leaves of hollies. However, over the years we have seen deer nibble on hollies, even when there is no food scarcity. If you need evergreen privacy trees that are more deer-resistant than hollies, we recommend the Green Giant Aroborviate.
Preferred Soil Type:
American Holly: Prefers moist, well-drained soils with slightly acidic pH but can tolerate a range of soil types including sandy loam and clay.
Nellie Stevens Holly: Adaptable to different soil types, including clay and alkaline soils, with improved drainage through organic matter amendment. Great at controlling soil erosion.
When purchasing locally grown trees, they are well acclimated to the Mid-Atlantic’s climate and soil, versus ones brought up from the south that have not experienced the cold temps and soil types that we have here. Thus, making locally grown trees hardier than those that are shipped.
When compared, the American Holly vs Nellie Stevens Holly, they both offer unique advantages for landscaping in the Mid-Atlantic region. While the American Holly supports local biodiversity, the Nellie Stevens Holly provides rapid growth with dense foliage that is ideal for privacy screening and is more disease-resistant. Understanding their characteristics and needs can help you make the right choice for your landscape, ensuring a thriving and visually appealing environment for years to come.
