Shrub
Common Manzanita
Arctostaphylos manzanita
Twisting mahogany-red branches and winter bells for early hummingbirds. Living sculpture.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Evergreen
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 8–10
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun to Part sun
- Size
- 6–20 ft tall × 6–12 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- White to pale pink urn-shaped flowers in late winter; sculptural mahogany-red bark year-round
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Native range
- Native to the northern Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills of California
Why we recommend it
An iconic California native with year-round structure, winter flowers for early pollinators and hummingbirds, and no summer water once established. 'Dr. Hurd' is a widely sold, garden-tolerant selection.
Best regions: Southern CaliforniaNorthern California
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Plant in fall; water every 1–2 weeks through the first dry season, then only monthly if at all. Summer water kills established plants.
Pruning
Minimal; remove dead wood in summer (dry weather reduces disease spread).
Soil
Fast-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; avoid lawn irrigation and rich amended beds.
Pairs well with
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Where to buy
Shop Common Manzanita from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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