Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Radiant Manzanita

Identification

Description

Prostrate evergreen ground cover to 10' wide. Flowers pink, fruit attracts birds. Native throughout US, northern California to Alaska along the west coast. Part shade inland to full sun near coast. Prefers sandy soils with organic matter, but will tolerate most soils as long as there is some drainage and moisture. Leaves used as tobacco substitute, stems used to make pipes,berry edible. We do not consider this manzanita drought tolerant by Ca. standards. If your rain fall is less than 35" supplement summer water 1/week will be needed. We do not recommend it for interior plantings because of this.'Greenbay' is a clone of this, a little slower, leaves duller, more drought tolerant. It has been stable here but not vigorous. 'Point Reyes' is one of the common ones in the trade. It has green leaves with some grey and a dull cast. It grows rapidly near the coast as long as it has water. Its final height is 3-6" tall and width is 10'. As long as it is in garden conditions near the coast or in middle elevations it is good to great. We have to water it as we would a lawn. 'Radiant' is also found in the trade but not to the extent of 'Point Reyes'. I can never understand why the trade picks the winners and losers as this form has been the best form. It will grow as fast as 'Point Reyes' but the leaves are shiny red-green. It looks clean and fresh. It also needs lawn water here. 'Wood's Red is hybrid of u-u with glossy red-darkgreen leaves. It seems to be garden tolerant and like the interior heat as long as it has afternoon shade and reg. water. Wood's Compact is apparently a little more upright and spreads a little less.