This shrub has upright reddish trunk with spreading branches that form a bushy habit. It has glossy dark green oblong leaves and the small white urn-shape pendant flowers appear in a cluster amongst the foliage in spring, followed by red berry-like fruit.

Hardiness zones 7 to 10 

Comarostaphylis diversifolia is naturally found in North America from southern California to northern Baja California growing in coastal chaparral and on dry slopes from an altitude of 100m-550m (328 ft to 1968 ft). 

It grows in an open sunny to partly shaded position in well drained moderately fertile, sandy soils and is drought and light frost tolerant If the shrub is damaged by fire or frosts it resprouts from its lignotuber. 

Summer Holly is grown for its a bushy habit and bright red fruit. It is planted in small or water wise gardens along borders for screening or as a specimen where it is trained to form a small tree. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 3-5 years and is long lived. ID 3399

Comarostaphylis (koh-MAH-roh-stah-FY-lis) diversifolia (dee-VER-see-FOH-lee-ah)

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens