Plant profile

Manzanitas

Genus Arctostaphylos

Manzanitas are tough, beautiful western shrubs with urn-shaped flowers that can feed early-season pollinators and evergreen leaves that keep gardens looking good year-round.

Plant Type

Shrubs > Manzanitas

Aliases

Manzanita

Native Range

Western North America (varies by species).

Bloom window

Often blooms in the cooler seasons into spring, depending on the species and local conditions.

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Manzanitas are a great fit for gardeners who want an evergreen shrub that looks good in every season and can offer flowers for visiting pollinators. The biggest success factor is drainage: these shrubs generally prefer soils that don’t stay wet. If your site is heavy or soggy, consider improving drainage, planting on a slight mound, or choosing a different plant.

In a pollinator-friendly garden, manzanitas work best as a “structure plant”—a steady, year-round anchor—while you add a mix of perennials and annuals around them to keep blooms coming through the warmer months. Keep care simple: give them the right spot, water thoughtfully while they establish, and avoid unnecessary chemicals.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny, well-drained gardens; low-water landscapes; slopes; and anyone who wants an evergreen shrub that can support pollinators when not much else is blooming.

Manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/120877077 Photo: (c) joelmc, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Manzanita
Bloom window	Often blooms in the cooler seasons into spring, depending on the species and local conditions.
Typical height	Varies widely by species and cultivar, from low ground-hugging forms to larger shrubs
Pollinators supported	Bees, Hummingbirds
Light & moisture	Sun to part sun; best in well-drained soil and not constantly wet
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny, well-drained gardens; low-water landscapes; slopes; and anyone who wants an evergreen shrub that can support pollinators when not much else is blooming.

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Manzanitas add year-round structure and can provide nectar and pollen when pollinators are looking for early food.

What they need

Sun and excellent drainage, with careful watering while they establish.

One best action

Choose a spot with fast-draining soil and avoid keeping the roots constantly wet.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Manzanitas can be a strong “backbone” shrub for pollinator-friendly gardens, offering flowers for visiting pollinators and evergreen structure that supports a healthier, more layered habitat.

The name “manzanita” means “little apple,” a nod to the small, apple-like fruits some species produce.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Early blooms can help support pollinators when fewer flowers are available.
Evergreen shrubs add shelter and structure to gardens through all seasons.
Once established, many manzanitas can be lower-maintenance in dry, sunny sites.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Look for these easy clues to recognize manzanitas in the garden.

Leaves

Evergreen, often small, oval, and leathery; color ranges from bright to gray-green depending on the type.

Flowers

Small, hanging, urn-shaped flowers in clusters; often white to pink.

Fruits

Small, round fruits that may resemble tiny apples; color and size vary by species.

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Dry, sunny slopes
Open woodlands
Chaparral and scrubby habitats (varies by species)

Where it is often used

Foundation planting in sunny spots
Dry borders and low-water gardens
Slope stabilization where drainage is good
Evergreen backdrop for seasonal wildflowers
Pollinator-friendly shrub layer

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Bloom timing varies by species, but many manzanitas flower when gardens are otherwise quiet.

Bloom Season Role: Early-season nectar source in many areas

Seasonal benefits

Provides nectar and pollen during cooler months into spring
Pairs well with later-blooming perennials to extend the season of flowers

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Full sun is best for many types; some tolerate part sun.

Soil type

Fast-draining soil is key. If your soil stays wet, consider a raised mound or a different plant.

Moisture needs

Water regularly during establishment, then reduce. Avoid frequent shallow watering that keeps roots damp.

Planting method

Plant at the same depth as the pot. Give the shrub room for airflow and its natural shape.

Mulching tips

Use a light mulch layer to reduce weeds, but keep mulch pulled back from the base to prevent rot.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Pick a sunny spot with excellent drainage (or build a small mound/raised area).
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and a bit wider.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill gently and water in to settle the soil.
Add a thin mulch layer, keeping it away from the trunk.

Seasonal care

Prune lightly to shape, and avoid heavy pruning unless you know your species responds well.
Water deeply but infrequently during establishment; avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.
Keep weeds down, especially while the plant is young.
Check for branch dieback and remove dead wood as needed.

What not to do

Planting in soil that stays wet after rain or watering.
Overwatering after the plant is established.
Piling mulch against the trunk.
Pruning at a time that removes flower buds.

Pairings

Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom

Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Early Bloom

Native currants (*Ribes* spp.)
Wild lilac / ceanothus (*Ceanothus* spp.)

Mid-Season Bloom

California poppy (*Eschscholzia californica*)
Penstemons (*Penstemon* spp.)

Late-Season Bloom

Goldenrods (*Solidago* spp.)
Asters (*Symphyotrichum* spp.)

Manzanitas include many species and garden selections with different sizes and needs. If you’re shopping, look for a type recommended for your local area and the space you have.

GLOSSARY