Description

The summer holly is a rare shrub found in coastal mountains from Santa Barbara south and the Channel Islands. It grows in a rounded form as a multi trunk shrub or small tree. In appearance it is similar to a toyon when not in flower. The bell-shaped white flowers, however, show its close relationship to manzanita and arbutus. These appear in winter and are followed in the summer with drupes of bright red berries. Summer holly seems to grow best – albeit slowly – in partial shade with access to occasional water nearby. In Santa Clara County (Sunset zone 15) I have naturalized my summer holly in partial shade. It is in its fourth year, is about three feet tall and has not yet flowered.