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Plant Details

Summer Holly

Comarostaphylis diversifolia

A refined California native that brings a touch of elegance to the garden. This evergreen shrub is loved for its shiny, dark green leaves that look remarkably like traditional holly. In spring, it drips with delicate, white urn-shaped flowers similar to Manzanita, followed by clusters of bumpy red berries in the summer that birds simply adore. It's a slow-growing, stately plant that adds year-round structure and beauty.

Comarostaphylis diversifolia illustration
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Plant Snapshot

TypeShrub | Woody | Perennial | Evergreen
Growth habitUpright
Use categoriesOrnamental | Pollinator Plant
SettingOutdoor
Growth rateSlow
Mature size classLarge
Bloom colorCream, White
Bloom seasonSpring
HardinessZones 7a-10b
Size72-180 in tall | 48-96 in wide
Life expectancy50 years
Size noteUsually stays around 6-10 feet in gardens but can reach 15 feet in perfect conditions.
Spacing96-144 in apart
Spacing noteGive it plenty of room to show off its natural upright form.

Growth Conditions

LightFull Sun to Part Shade
WaterLow
SoilAverage | Clay | Rocky
DrainageWell-Drained
Leaf notesDark glossy green on top, often lighter or grayer underneath; leathery texture.
Pruning noteRequires very little pruning. You can lightly shape it in late summer or winter to maintain its form.
Feeding noteGenerally doesn't need much; a light mulch of organic compost in the fall is plenty.
Propagation noteCan be grown from seed (requires stratification) or semi-hardwood cuttings, though it can be tricky for beginners.

Seasonal Timing

Bloom timing

Spring

Clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers.

Fruit timing

Summer

Red, warty berries that look like holly berries appear.

Cautions

Pests

Fungal leaf spot

Can occur if there is too much overhead watering or poor air circulation.

Pet safetyNot listed yet.
Allergy noteNot listed yet.
Health noteNot listed yet.

Sources

Places that sell it