Also known as Manzanita · 59 saves
Arctostaphylos
Arctostaphylos, the genus most gardeners know as manzanita. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Arctostaphylos varieties
Track your Arctostaphylos in Sow
Save the Arctostaphylos you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Arctostaphylos
Whats common across all Arctostaphylos varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Arctostaphylos year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall. Ensure soil is acidic and well-drained.
Do
- Provide acidic, sharply drained soil
- Plant in full sun for best berry production
- Be patient; it is slow to establish and spread
- Use as a lawn substitute in difficult, dry, sandy areas
- Plant in full sun for optimal flowering and health 🌞
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy clay or alkaline soils
- Avoid fertilizing; it thrives in lean conditions
- Do not attempt to transplant established patches
- Avoid planting in hot, humid climates where it struggles
What goes wrong with Arctostaphylos
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Gall Aphids | Red, swollen, or curled distortions on new leaves. | Usually cosmetic. Prune off and destroy affected leaves. Horticultural oil can be used on dormant plants. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, stippling or discoloration | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale Insects | Sticky residue and small bumps on stems | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root Rot | Branch dieback, wilting, and plant death. | Caused by poor drainage. Prevention is the only cure. Ensure soil is sandy and well-drained. |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves. | Improve air circulation. Rake up and remove fallen leaves. Generally not a serious issue. |
Making more Arctostaphylos
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings from firm stems in late fall or winter
- Dip in rooting hormone and place in a sand/peat mix
- Keep moist and provide bottom heat for best results
- Rooting is slow and can take many months
Layering
- Select a long, flexible stem in spring or summer
- Pin a section of the stem to the ground
- Cover the pinned section with a small amount of soil
- Roots will form in 6-12 months, then it can be severed and moved
Arctostaphylos questions
How many types of Arctostaphylos are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Arctostaphylos varieties. The most popular — ranked by 59 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Arctostaphylos grow in?
Across its varieties, Arctostaphylos covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Arctostaphylos bloom?
Most Arctostaphylos varieties bloom in mid-spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Arctostaphylos should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.