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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Width: 4 to 6 feet
Flower color: White or pinkish
Foliage color: Dark green, often leathery
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low
Maintenance: Low
Growing zone: 7 to 10
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

Shrubs

Arctostaphylos ‘Red Stem’

Red Stem Manzanita

Arctostaphylos 'Red Stem' produces clusters of small, urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers from late winter into early spring, providing an important nectar source for hummingbirds and early pollinators. Small, glossy, deep green leaves remain evergreen throughout the year, forming a dense canopy highlighted by smooth mahogany-red stems that become even more colorful as the bark matures. Rounded reddish berries follow the flowers, adding seasonal interest and providing food for birds and other wildlife.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Native Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Sun Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Tickseeds · Russian sage · Potentilla · Fountain grass · Basket-of-gold · Lily of the Nile

Design tip

Plant this manzanita where its colorful stems can brighten the garden, even when little else is blooming. Pair it with drought-tolerant companions in repeating groups to create a landscape that feels natural, colorful, and easy to maintain while adding year-round.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)