Shrub
Toyon
Heteromeles arbutifolia
California holly: evergreen leaves, summer flowers, and winter berries that feed the birds.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Evergreen
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 8–10
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun to Part sun
- Size
- 6–15 ft tall × 6–15 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- White flower clusters in early summer; bright red berries in winter that birds love
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Native range
- Native to California and Baja California
Why we recommend it
A native evergreen screen that feeds bees in summer and birds in winter, and needs no summer water once established.
Best regions: Southern CaliforniaNorthern California
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Plant in fall; water every 1–2 weeks through the first two dry seasons, then occasionally.
Pruning
Prune in late winter to shape or limb up into a small tree.
Soil
Adaptable, from sandy to clay, if it drains; tolerates part shade.
Pairs well with
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Read more
Where to buy
Shop Toyon from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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