Arctostaphylos × media
media manzanita
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts HummingbirdsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Arctostaphylos x media is a low, evergreen, spreading shrub of natural hybrid origin between the prostrate A. uva-ursi and the upright A. columbiana, intermediate in habit between the two. It grows 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and spreads 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) wide, with arching to trailing branches that root where they touch moist ground. The leathery, oval leaves are 0.8–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long, glossy dark green, and held year-round; young stems show the smooth reddish-brown bark typical of manzanitas. Clusters of small, urn-shaped pink to white flowers hang from the branch tips in late winter and early spring, followed by small reddish berries. The shrub needs full sun to light shade and fast-draining, lean, acidic soil, and tolerates summer drought once established. It tolerates neither wet, heavy, nor limey soil, in which the roots rot, and it establishes poorly when roots are disturbed after planting. Hardiness runs to about USDA zone 7, with foliage damaged in colder, exposed winters.
Native Range
The hybrid occurs naturally in the Pacific Northwest of North America, from British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon, where the ranges of its parent species overlap. It grows in open woodland, clearings, and rocky slopes on well-drained acidic ground.Suggested Uses
Planted as an evergreen groundcover on dry banks, in rock gardens, and in native and water-wise plantings of the Pacific Northwest, spaced 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) apart. Used to cover slopes for erosion control on fast-draining soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to whiteFoliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade on lean, fast-draining, acidic soil with a pH from 5.0 to 6.5. Needs little summer water once established and tolerates extended dry spells. Wet, heavy, or alkaline soil causes root rot, the main cause of failure. Plants establish poorly when roots are disturbed, so they are set out young from containers and left undisturbed. Hardy to about USDA zone 7, with foliage burn possible in cold, exposed winters. Rich soil produces weak, open growth, so little feeding is needed.Pruning
Light tip pruning after flowering shapes plants and keeps growth dense without cutting into bare old wood, which regrows slowly. Dead or damaged branches are removed in spring. Hard pruning is not done because old manzanita wood resprouts poorly.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons