Common name(s): manzanita
Description: evergreen shrub; upright growth with exfoliating mahogany bark and sage green foliage. Abundant pink urn flowers through most of winter.
Height: to 10 ft. Spread: to 8 ft.
Position: full sun, and lean, well-draining soil. Ideally in a site with excellent air circulation
Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators
Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below
Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought
Care: no special care needed.
Notes: Arctostaphylos 'Austin Griffiths' was a chance hybrid found in the demonstration garden of Native Sons Nursery, Arroyo Grande, California. According to them: " It is believed to have resulted from a cross of A. manzanita ‘Dr. Hurd’ [white flowered} with A. densiflora ‘Sentinel’ [pink flowered]."
It was named in memory of Austin Griffiths, who, according to the those at Native Sons Nursery, "guided us in our early years and opened our imaginations to the wonders of horticulture."
