My wax myrtle is still smallish, 5-6'. I really wouldn't consider them a "specimen shrub/tree", per se. When I think specimen (natives), I would consider Fremontodendron, Coffeeberry (Rhamnus species), Garrya, Ceanothus, Redbud for example. My opinion is that the myrtle is more of a screen/living hedge or possibly an accent shrub.
I'm not sure what you mean by "summer holly". If you mean Toyon (California Holly) (Heteromeles arbutifolia), then they do make a great "specimen shrub" too. It should be fine in sun, but it does need fairly regular water the first few years.

My soil, is adobe clay, but the soil is old with lots of decaying/way decayed leaf litter, stick & twigs, dumped potting soil, sand from reptile cages, etc. In other words more or less built-up organic materials from over the 27 years I've been in this house and it's been worked over and over and over again (LOL).

wanda

The summer holly is Comarostaphyllis diversifolia diversifolia (see why I wrote 'summer holly'!!) I DO have a Toyon, too! It was planted 3 or 4 years ago and was just about the first native shrub I ever planted. It is now 6 feet tall, planted from a 5-gallon container. I got only 2 berries last year (the first ever berries) but this year there will be a couple hundred. They are slowly turning from green to orangey-red now.

I keep thinking of Ceanothus, too. My requirements are evergreen, full sun (San Fernando Valley -- hot ), sandy soil, 10-15 feet tall, not too wide, able to be pruned as a small multitrunked tree rather than as a shrub. There are alot of non-natives I could choose from, but I am still determined to plant a native. Otherwise, I feel it would be a wasted opportunity. I have a small yard and this is the last large shrub I have room for.
Thanks for the quick reply!

What about Prunus ilicifolia, common name Catalina Cherry. It looks much like a camellia sans flowers and is extremely drought tolerant--we have some growing wild in the area that maintain their rich green color on no irrigation at all. Not as beautiful as Ceonothus, but good looking and tough. I would look at Ceonothus as well.

I'm not sure of the climate in San Fernando Valley. I'm in Santa Clara Valley and it's may be moister and cooler here, but Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' might fit the bill. I also love Toyon if it will thrive in your zone.

wanda

Thanks Wanda. I am going to take a look at the Ray Hartman Ceanothus at the nursery tomorrow. Hope they still have some decent ones left.

I know it's an old forum, but it's very pertinent to what I'm trying to get answers & given that so many years have passed, it may b even better :) Can those folks who have Ceanothus Ray Hartman, as well as the Pacific Wax Myrtle share how those are doing 10 years later? I am specifically interested in knowing about the litter & maintenance aspect (berries, leaves, necessity to prune more than twice a year to keep from growing too wide?), as well as how fast it grew to 10'-15'?

I have looked at so many options for my privacy hedge which must be planted right next to the pool (actually in only a 5'-6' deep planter between the pool & retaining wall), & everything either has many berries or leaves dropping (nightmare pool maintenance) or has invasive roots, etc. I am hoping that either Ceanothus Ray Hartman (love the early spring blooms, but concerned about them getting into the pool) or the Pacific Wax Myrtle (I read the female shrub produces berries- how would I know male or female?).

I live in USDA zone 10, off 405 & Mulholland/Skirbal exit & the hedge will get full sun - planted against a SW facing wall. TIA for all ur input :)