Plant Library

Description:

A handsome densely leafed shrub that can be clipped into a low hedge; very dainty pale pink and white flowers in spring cover this fine selection; does not like alkaline soils; this is a coastal plant, protect from midday sun when planted inland

Ornamental Features

Howard McMinn Manzanita features dainty nodding shell pink bell-shaped flowers with white overtones at the ends of the branches from mid spring to mid summer. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The glossy oval leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. It produces brick red berries from mid summer to early winter.

Landscape Attributes

Howard McMinn Manzanita is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Howard McMinn Manzanita is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Howard McMinn Manzanita will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have sandy, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species.