Plants We Love: ‘Howard McMinn’ Manzanita

‘Howard McMinn’ manzanita (Arctostaphylos densiflora ‘Howard McMinn’) is a California native shrub that tolerates drought and attracts wildlife.

Plant name: 'Howard McMinn' manzanita

Botanical name:Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn'

Virtues: Attracts butterflies and bees with its spring flowers and birds with its late-summer berries. Tolerates poor soil and drought.

Flower: small, white to pinkish white, appearing from late winter to spring

Foliage: shiny green narrow leaves on black branches

Habit: evergreen shrub, 4 to 8 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide

Origin: culitvar of a species occurring naturally only in Sonoma County, California

Cultivation: This culitvar is one of the most dependable manzanitas for the garden. It is a cultivar of the very rare Arctostaphylos densiflora. Provide full sun and excellent drainage. Can be pruned to keep small or for use as a hedge. Zones 6 to 10.

mgodfreyAuthor