shrubN. America Native

Hooker's Manzanita

The Story

Plant Bio

Arctostaphylos hookeri is an evergreen chaparral shrub native to coastal California, forming a dense mound or spreading mat up to five feet high and ten feet wide. Its smooth, cinnamon-red bark and small, glossy green leaves provide structure in dry, fast-draining landscapes.

Small, urn-shaped white to pink flowers bloom in terminal clusters from winter into spring, followed by shiny red drupes. The trailing, maroon-tinted branches roots where they contact open, sandy soil, forming low groundcover thickets on exposed coastal slopes.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers cinnamon-red stems, glossy leaves, and delicate bell-shaped winter flowers.

Stabilizes sandy coastal slopes and suppresses weeds as a low groundcover.

Supplies winter nectar for hummingbirds and bees, and berries for native wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (California)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in fast-draining sandy or gravelly soil in full sun near the coast or partial shade inland.
Water moderately during the first dry season to settle roots, tapering off completely as the plant establishes.
Spread a layer of gravel or stone mulch around the base, keeping material clear of the central trunk.
Limit pruning to removing dead, damaged, or crossing stems immediately after spring bloom.

Pro Tip

Avoid summer watering once established and never prune into old bare wood, as stems lacking a basal burl cannot regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure sharp soil drainage before planting.
Provide full sun along coastal margins.
Prune lightly and only on young, leaf-bearing stems.

Don't

Do not irrigate during hot summer months once established.
Do not cut back hard into old leafless wood.
Do not apply rich organic mulches or high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion ControlGroundcoverCoastal GardensRock GardensNative Plant Gardens

Companion Plants

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Salvia mellifera Eriogonum fasciculatum Heteromeles arbutifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hooker's Manzanita questions

What zones can Hooker's Manzanita grow in?

Hooker's Manzanita is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hooker's Manzanita deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Hooker's Manzanita, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Hooker's Manzanita bloom?

Hooker's Manzanita typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hooker's Manzanita need full sun?

Hooker's Manzanita does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hooker's Manzanita drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hooker's Manzanita handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.