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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Width: 4 to 6 feet
Flower color: Pale pink to soft white urn shaped flowers held in dense clusters
Foliage color: Small glossy dark green oval leaves on upright branches with smooth reddish-brown bark
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Full sun to light partial shade
Water: Low; very drought tolerant
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape plants
Growing zone: USDA zones 8 to 10
Wildlife: Bees, hummingbirds; birds feed on the small reddish-brown berries

Shrubs

Arctostaphylos densiflorus 'Sentinel'

Sentinel Manzanita

Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Sentinel' develops a dense framework of upright branches clothed in small, leathery, oval leaves that maintain a deep green color throughout the year. Smooth bark matures to rich reddish tones, adding warm color to the stems. From late winter into early spring, clusters of pale pink, urn-shaped flowers appear along the branches, their delicate forms hanging in tight groups and providing early seasonal interest.

Light

Full sun to light partial shade

Water

Low; very drought tolerant

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Native Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Gaura · Weigela · Salvia · Baptisia · Lilies · Mexican feather grass

Design tip

Plant this manzanita where its colorful bark and winter flowers can be enjoyed from a window, patio, or entryway. Pair it with other drought-tolerant plants to create a welcoming garden that stays attractive, colorful, and full of life throughout the year.