california native flora

Introducing Arctostaphylos ‘Pacific Mist’ – Pacific Mist Manzanita

Arctostaphylos Pacific Mist is a hybrid Manzanita produced for garden use by the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. It is considered groundcover but it does grow is tall as 2′ so it may be useful as a low hedge with careful pruning. A healthy specimen can produce a mounding spread up to 5′. Manzanitas are slow growers in general but this particular variety grows faster than average. Does well in full or part sun, inland it may need some extra water during hot Southern California summers.

Like other manzanitas Pacific Mist produces pretty urn-shaped flowers. On this variety they are white and appear in winter. That should keep the hummingbirds happy while they wait for spring and its explosion of color. Pacific Mist Manzanita grows well in a planter with good drainage and some protection inland from afternoon sun.