It is said that early residents of Southern California were so moved by the beautiful holly-like bush Heteromeles arbutifolia, also known as California Holly or Toyon, that they were inspired to call their new home Hollywood.
California Holly– is a hardy native that is extremely easy to cultivate. It is a component of the coastal sage scrub plant community, and is a part of drought-adapted chaparral and mixed oak woodland habitats.
Needing full sun and only occasional water, this plant can grow anywhere from 6 to 18 feet tall flowering white in summer then yielding bright red berries in fall and winter. Clipped branches can often be found in floral arrangements especially around the holiday season. With its fun connection to the history of Hollywood, its beauty and its ability to tolerate many growing conditions, we love adding Toyon to our gardens.
