Arctostaphylos manzanita x 'Mary's Blush'

This lovely manzanita selection was found along Guerneville Rd. in Sonoma County. Likely a natural cross with the rare Vine Hill manzanita, it has the size and upright form of the common manzanita, with the disease resistance of the A. densiflora hybrids. Initially growing about a foot a year, it will eventually reach 8-10 feet in height. Its slightly-glossy leaves create a dense, tidy appearance, which can be pruned up to show off the deep mahogany trunk. In winter, it blooms prolifically with clusters of pink flowers, followed by beautiful red berries. More tolerant of garden conditions and heavy soil than most, it requires minimal water in summer once established. Its flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and its berries are food for birds.