Toyon Bush

Evergreen Toyon Shrub: Star-Studded California Native

The Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) might not be a household name, but you've certainly seen its star power! Known as California Holly or Christmas Berry, this stunning evergreen shrub is famed for its vibrant winter berries and its role in inspiring the name Hollywood itself! 

Native to the chaparral hills of California, this drought-tolerant wonder blooms in summer with clusters of creamy white flowers and transforms in winter with dazzling red berries that light up the landscape.

With a naturally dense and upright form reaching up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, Toyon is a commanding presence in the garden. Its leathery, dark green leaves resemble those of English Holly, lending it a formal flair, while its winter berries provide a spectacular pop of color when little else is in bloom!

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Key Features

• Native California broadleaf evergreen shrub
• Drought-tolerant and erosion-controlling
• Winter berries are loved by birds and people
• Pollinator-friendly white summer blooms
• Can be pruned into a small tree or a hedge
• Symbolic in California history and culture

Landscaping Uses

The Toyon is a standout for privacy or visual drama in the garden! Though its summer blooms are modest, bees flock to them, and come winter, birds can't get enough of the fruit! The berries are also edible (best cooked into jellies or sauces), adding yet another layer of utility.

• Focal point or anchor shrub in native or wildlife gardens
• Drought-tolerant hedge or screen
• Great in hell strips or roadside plantings
• Can be pruned as a multi-trunked small tree
• Excellent for edible landscaping
• Holiday décor source with its vibrant berries
• Bird-friendly winter food source
• Outstanding native for California habitat restoration

This broadleaf evergreen has long served as a symbol of Christmas in California and has a history of use by Indigenous communities for food and medicine.

Care and Maintenance

Toyon is a tough-as-nails broadleaf evergreen shrub that handles drought, urban conditions, and poor soils. But the Toyon is more than a pretty face.

Native to USDA zones 8 through 10, it thrives on dry slopes, along roadsides, and even in urban conditions. This broadleaf evergreen has long served as a symbol of Christmas in California and has a history of use by Indigenous communities for food and medicine. It tolerates drought, poor soils, and erosion-prone sites, making it as functional as it is beautiful.

• Planting Time: Best in fall or early spring
• Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Tolerates clay, loam, rocky, and poor soils; needs well-drained soil
• Moisture Needs: Low once established, new shrubs need regular moisture access. Use the Finger Test.
• Arborist Mulch: Add a 3-4 inch layer to conserve moisture and insulate roots
• Fertilization Needs: Rarely needs fertilizing in native soil
• Pruning Info: Prune after berry drop in late winter or early spring; blooms on new wood
• Renewal Pruning: Trim out the oldest stems every 3-5 years to shape and rejuvenate
• Special Perks/Growing Tips:
• Deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant
• Fire-wise landscaping
• Roots hold soil, making them good for erosion-control
• Handles pollution and coastal/saline conditions
• Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH
• Pollination Needs: Self-fruitful; no pollinator needed

Berry Hollywood Glam in the Garden!

With berries as bold as its history and a performance that holds up to drought, heat, and time, Toyon is ready for its close-up in your landscape. Whether you're planting a cottage garden, a wildlife haven, or a festive front yard privacy hedge, this California original brings all the drama without the diva attitude. Buy now, and Nature Hills will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toyon invasive?
No, Toyon is a native California shrub and does not spread aggressively outside of its natural range.

Are Toyon berries edible?
Yes, but only when cooked. Raw berries can be astringent, but cooked into jellies or sauces, they're delicious.

Do you need more than one Toyon for berries?
Nope! Toyon is self-fruitful, so a single plant will still produce berries.

How long does it take for Toyon to establish?
Typically 1-2 years. Be sure to water regularly during the first year using the Finger Test.

Is Toyon good for erosion control?
Yes! Its deep roots help stabilize slopes and prevent runoff.

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