What Are Toyon Bushes?

Hardiness and Size

• Toyon bushes are broad leaf evergreens that grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. They usually grow to a height of 8 feet but can reach 18 feet tall or more. When grown as trees, they have multiple trunks.

Characteristics

• The leaves, flowers and berries of toyon bushes resemble hollies (Ilex spp.). Their oblong, glossy, dark green leaves have serrated edges. In spring and summer, toyon bushes produce clusters of white flowers followed by berries that ripen to bright red in fall. All toyon bushes produce berries, unlike hollies which usually require a male pollinator and only form berries on female plants. “Davis Gold” is a toyon cultivar that produces berries that ripen to gold. True hollies are generally less heat-tolerant, and thrive in the cooler USDA zones 5 through 9.

Requirements and Care

• Toyon bushes are hardy, drought-tolerant shrubs that are rarely bothered by deer. Young toyons should be given some protection as the deer will nibble on their new leaves and they may browse on older shrubs in early fall if there is nothing better to eat. Birds enjoy the berries in the winter after they ripen. Toyons will grow in any type of soil as long as it drains well. They prefer full sun or partial shade but will also grow in shadier areas. Give toyon bushes supplemental water for the first year after planting but, after they become established, you don't need to water them regularly.

  Be careful not to over-water as they are susceptible to root rots. Water them below the branches to help prevent fungal diseases which may be a problem during warm, wet weather. They are also susceptible to attacks from scale insects and thrips. Prune toyon bushes in February or March to shape them or maintain size but they bloom on year-old branches. Drastic pruning will reduce flowering and berry production. Prune lower branches off each year to encourage the shrub to grow into a tree.

Uses

• Toyon bushes can be planted on hills for erosion control or along a property line as an informal hedge. They can also be grown as a formal hedge with regular pruning. With their nearly year-round interest, they are well-suited to use as a specimen plant and are commonly trained as espalier specimens. Landscapes along the coast with mild exposure to ocean breezes and salt spray are fine for toyons. Branches with berries on them can be cut and used for holiday wreaths and decorative greenery.