ChrisK, This is from a nursery's description of the NSH, they sound perfect for your requirements. Ideal selection for hedges and privacy screens Grows up to 3 ft. per year! Thrives on neglect YouÂll appreciate how these holly trees stay deep green all year, unlike other hedge trees that can brown out during either the summer heat or mild droughts. Plant 5-6 ft. apart for a living wall that gives you complete privacy -- no holes or gaps. You control how they grow  whether naturally into a dense, pyramidal shape that matures at 15-25 ft., or pruned into a tall box hedge. They grow up to 3 ft. per year without pruning. When they reach the height you want, just clip off the leader. This will slow them down and make them thicken. These holly trees make perfect accents at the corners of your home, in the flower garden or entryway. The dark green foliage makes a great contrast to surrounding trees and shrubs. During the winter months you will enjoy the red berries against the deep green foliage. Clip some branches to decorate your home for the holidays. Bird watchers delight as these berries attract all kinds of wildlife!

I have one Nellie Steven. About 18 months ago, I had one large Maple tree removed from the front (due to disease and crowding), well, I noticed that the Nellie Stevens was completely lopsided as half of it was in shade of the Maple. The part in the sun, was growing fast. I have other Hollies (Japanese, Blues, China series...so, I noticed the difference. Now, I expect it will recover some decent shape as it is in full sun. So, this variety can handle full, southern exposure and a good deal of heat. Meantime, my Blue Princess/Prince holly that are in shade are fast, those in the sun have either never taken off or seem stunted. Location, location, location as they say! I suspect the clay soil is less of a factor, my soil is also fairly clay. Makes a great tree if provided its space. Birds also love the berries (had a flock of wild turkeys crazy about them a couple of weekends ago).

Sabwil, It sounds like you have a good location for an Ilex and although I donÂt want to discourage you it should be said that for the most part they are not considered a fast growing tree. American Holly Ilex opaca are native in my neck of the woods and likely yours as well, I have noted mine tend to have fewer insect problems than many other types of Ilex and tolerate the hardship of winter without snow cover and high winds. You might consider " Ilex opaca ÂMiss HelenÂ" or " Ilex opaca ÂSatyr HillÂ" Keep in mind selective pruning (not sheering) at the end of March will promote thickness while keeping a natural form. Ilex aquipernyi ÂRock Garden has done very well for me with no winter or insect damage after ten years, for this reason I would suggest Ilex aquipernyi ÂDragon LadyÂ" or " Ilex aquipernyi ÂSan JoseÂ" Ilex meserveae has proved to be a strong grower again with little susceptibility to insect damage, great darker leaf color and tolerates drier soil. I think " Ilex x meserveae ÂBlue StallionÂ" might meet your size requirement. " Ilex koehneana ÂJule Brite or ÂWirt L WinnÂ" are hard to find but well worth the search with large elegant leaves on a tidy formal tree. Please consider that these are just a few choices of Ilex that might be suitable for your spot so if none of the above fit the bill there are many other choices, best of luck. kt

I'm giving this problem a bump. Would you be able to post a picture of the problem? It's difficult to come up with an idea from your description.