Plant of the Month: Dec. 2012
0Toyon, Christmas Berry
Heteromeles arbutifolia
- Plant Form: Evergreen shrub/tree
- Water Use: Low
Toyon or Christmas Berry – an evergreen beauty with berries for the holidays
- Mature Size: 8-10’ (to 25’) tall & 8-10’ wide
- Exposure: Full Sun, Part sun
- Bloom Time: June – August
- Native to: Southern California
- Hardiness: Cold Hardy to 0° F
Toyon, also called Christmas Berry and California Holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree from California’s chaparral communities. This very adaptable, dense shrub is valued for its holly-like foliage, clusters of white flowers in summer, and showy bright red berries all winter that are popular for Christmas decorations, and relished by birds. Fire resistant if watered every 2 weeks during spring and summer. Toyon can be pruned into a handsome tree, or left in its natural form for a dense evergreen border or privacy screen as a native substitute for oleander.
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