Enjoy Toyon Berries All Winter

Winter brings with it the colorful red berries of our native Toyon, also called “Christmas Berry” (Heteromeles arbutifolia). Besides being an attractive, fire-resistant, evergreen shrub (or tree if pruned), Toyon produces clusters of bright red berries that persist all winter, providing perfect holiday decorations for mantels, wreaths, and centerpieces. We have been picking clusters from our yard the past few weeks to use for holiday arrangements, and are sharing them with friends for their decorations. We still have plenty to […]

Plant of the Month: December 2013

Pyracantha, Firethorn Pyracantha crenatoserrata   Plant Form: Evergreen Shrub Water Use: Low Mature Size: 15’ tall, 10’ wide Exposure: Full Sun Bloom Time: March – May Native to: China Hardiness: Cold Hardy to 10°F   Pyracantha holds landscape interest throughout the year with its generous clusters of white flowers in spring and colorful bunches of large, long-lasting berries in winter, just in time for holiday decorations. Many varieties are available to suit all tastes and applications, from prostrate groundcovers to […]