Photo of Arctostaphylos pumila form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Arctostaphylos pumila

Also Known As

  • Sandmat Manzanita

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 1'-5'
  • W: 3'-10'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

Arctostaphylos pumila plant details

Arctostaphylos pumila is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with blue and green foliage. In spring and winter pink and white 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 and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arctostaphylos pumila

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 3 FT - 10 FT - wide, 1 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and winter
Uses: distinctive bark, long-blooming, native plant, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arctostaphylos pumila

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Zn 8. Mounding habit. Gray-green foliage.

Gardening facts about Arctostaphylos pumila plant

How to Grow Arctostaphylos pumila

  • 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
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • winter
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Arctostaphylos for your garden

aka Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Sentinel', Sentinel Manzanita

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 5'-6'

Width: 5'-8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Sentinel' flower, foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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More Options

aka Howard McMinn Manzanita

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 4'-7'

Width: 5'-6'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn' by Debbie Ballentine
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More Options

aka Arctostaphylos x 'Austin Griffiths', Austin Griffiths Manzanita

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 8'-15'

Width: 6'-12'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Arctostaphylos 'Austin Griffiths' flower, foliage by Paul Furman, Bay Natives
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aka Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts', Common Bearberry, Kinnikinick

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4"-12"

Width: 24"-72"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts' foliage, fruit by Briggs Plant Propagators
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aka Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Wood's Dwarf', Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Wood's Red', Wood's Compact Kinnikinick, Wood's Dwarf Kinnikinnick, Wood's Dwarf Manzanita, Wood's Red Kinnikinnick

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

4a-10a

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 24"-60"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Wood's Compact' foliage, form by plant lust
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More Options

+262 more Arctostaphylos
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