Arctostaphylos 'O'Brien'

Also Known As

O'Brien Manzanita

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 3'-4'

planting zones

7a-10b

Arctostaphylos 'O'Brien' plant details

Arctostaphylos 'O'Brien' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with blue foliage. In spring and winter pink flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arctostaphylos 'O'Brien'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring and winter
Uses: distinctive bark, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arctostaphylos 'O'Brien'

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This 4' rounded shrub from the dry serpentine habitat surrounding the infamous bogs of O'Brien, Oregon has almost Eucalyptus-like, rounded leaves emerging pink and fading to a steely blue covered by an ever-so-faint silvery fur. Coral pink flowers emerge in late winter to last through early spring and are followed by mahogany colored fruit that perfectly match the exquisite, richly colored bark. This cross between A. viscida and A. canescens was once known as A. cinerea. Drought tolerant once established in lean soil and bright sun. Frost hard to at least USDA zone 7.

By: Cistus Nursery

Gardening facts about Arctostaphylos 'O'Brien' plant

How to Grow Arctostaphylos 'O'Brien'

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Soil Needs
- clay
- acidic
- adaptable
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- wind tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant