Arctostaphylos hookeri franciscana
Franciscan Manzanita
Description
Arctostaphylos hookeri franciscana is an evergreen groundcover that tolerates full sun in coastal areas but prefers afternoon shade in warm inland valleys. It is drought tolerant once it's established. This Manzanita slowly reaches 2' tall and 4' wide, very attractive with reddish smooth bark and small glossy green leaves. In winter, clusters of white flowers followed by red fruit that birds love. Snip new growth in spring if you want to create more branching.
Plant Type
Shrub, Ground cover
Height Range
1-3'
Width Range
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Winter
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
Red
Fruit Color
Red
Fruit Season
Spring
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Clay, Rocky
Soil Condition
Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Specimen, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Lawn, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Lawn Substitute
Attracts Wildlife
Birds
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.
If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.