Also known as Manzanita · 47 gardener saves
Arctostaphylos: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Arctostaphylos, the genus most gardeners know as manzanita. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Arctostaphylos varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedMassachusetts Common Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts'
#2 most savedBearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
#3 most savedRon Clendenen Manzanita
Arctostaphylos x media 'Ron Clendenen'
How to grow Arctostaphylos
What the Arctostaphylos varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
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 47 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Arctostaphylos shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Arctostaphylos in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
