'Nellie R. Stevens' does well in full sun to partial shade, preferably with some protection from afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. It needs rich, acidic, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types including heavy clay. It is best to avoid wet sites. Vigorous and fast-growing, this Holly quickly grows into an attractive, broad pyramidally-shaped evergreen, 20 to 30 feet high and 10 to 12 feet wide.