Ilex Nellie Stevens Standard Espalier

• Height: 1.8m clear stem with trained espalier crown

• Spread: Framework-trained canopy (see the different width and height options)

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils

• Hardiness: Exceptionally hardy in English/Irish conditions

• Growth Rate: Moderate, responds well to training

• Evergreen: Dense, glossy foliage year-round

• Berries: Abundant bright red berries (self-pollinating) •

Special Feature: Pre-trained on professional espalier framework

Where horticultural artistry meets garden architecture, our Ilex Nellie Stevens standard with espalier frame represents the pinnacle of living sculpture. This extraordinary specimen combines the classical elegance of a 1.8-metre clear stem with the sophisticated geometry of traditional espalier training, creating a masterpiece that serves as both functional screen and breathtaking focal point.

Rising gracefully on its elegant stem, this remarkable holly has been carefully trained along a professional framework to create perfectly horizontal tiers of lustrous, dark green foliage. Each branch has been guided with expert precision, forming clean, architectural lines that bring structure and formality to any garden setting. The glossy, spined leaves catch and reflect light beautifully along each trained tier, creating depth and visual interest that changes throughout the day.

As a self-pollinating variety, this distinguished specimen rewards you with clusters of brilliant scarlet berries that adorn each horizontal branch like strings of ruby jewels through autumn and winter. The geometric framework showcases these seasonal treasures to perfection, creating a living artwork that provides privacy, structure, and year-round beauty.

This is horticultural craftsmanship at its finest – a tree that has been nurtured and trained over years to achieve this perfect balance of natural beauty and architectural precision. Whether creating a formal boundary, screening an unsightly view, or simply adding sophisticated structure to your garden design, this espalier standard brings decades of reliable beauty and seasonal celebration.

Planting: Position in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil – this adaptable variety thrives in most soil types. The espalier framework requires adequate space to display its trained form properly. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, ensuring the root flare sits level with the ground. Backfill with native soil enriched with compost, water deeply, and mulch generously while keeping clear of the trunk.

Care: Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots. The pre-trained framework requires minimal maintenance – simply trim any growth that breaks the established lines in late winter or early spring. Remove any shoots appearing on the clear stem promptly. The horizontal branches may need occasional tying to maintain perfect positioning.

Training Maintenance: Light pruning twice yearly maintains the crisp espalier lines – once in late spring after any flowering, and again in late summer. Pinch out growing tips to encourage dense foliage along the framework. Any vertical shoots (water sprouts) should be removed promptly to maintain the horizontal structure.

Seasonal Notes: The berry display typically begins in late autumn and persists through winter, creating stunning contrast against the geometric framework. The trained branches showcase the seasonal display beautifully, with berries appearing along each horizontal tier.

Design Applications: Perfect for creating formal boundaries, screening utilities while maintaining elegance, flanking gateways or entrances, or as a sophisticated backdrop for lower plantings. The architectural form suits both contemporary and traditional garden styles.

Companion Planting: The clean lines work beautifully with structured plantings – consider box hedging beneath, ornamental grasses for textural contrast, or seasonal bulbs for spring colour. The formal framework provides an excellent backdrop for cottage garden perennials or Mediterranean-style plantings.