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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 4 to 20 feet
Width: 5 to 15 feet
Flower color: White to pink
Foliage color: Dark green, often with a silvery sheen
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low
Maintenance: Low maintenance
Growing zone: 7 to 10
Wildlife: Attracts bees and hummingbirds; provides habitat and food for birds and small mammals

Shrubs

Arctostaphylos manzanita

Manzanita

Arctostaphylos manzanita produces clusters of small, urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers from late winter into early spring, attracting hummingbirds, native bees, and other early pollinators before developing reddish-brown berries. Smooth, leathery leaves are gray-green to rich green and remain evergreen throughout the year, creating a dense canopy above handsome mahogany-red bark that becomes increasingly sculptural with age. The twisting branches and colorful bark provide enduring texture and visual interest long after the flowering season.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Native Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Barberry · Butterfly bush · Feverfew · False sunflower · Chives · Snow-in-summer

Design tip

Plant this manzanita where its beautiful bark and early flowers can be enjoyed from a patio, walkway, or favorite window. Pair it with other drought-tolerant plants to create a welcoming garden that stays colorful, textured, and attractive in every season.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)