Photo of Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn' by Debbie Ballentine

Photo by Debbie Ballentine

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Buy Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn'

Also Known As

  • Howard McMinn Manzanita

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-7'
  • W: 5'-6'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

3-5/8” x 6” pot | $18

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Fewer than 19 at Andesite Native Plant Nursery

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Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn' plant details

Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with blue and green foliage. In spring and winter pink and white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. 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 x densiflora 'Howard McMinn'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 5 FT - 6 FT - wide, 4 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and winter
Uses: distinctive bark, peeling bark, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn'

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

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An extremely handsome and useful landscape plant, this drought-tolerant western native was selected from a wild stand in Sonoma California. This wonderful shrub forms a dense mound to 5-7' of small, glossy green leaves on red stems and beautiful soft-pink urn shaped flowers which are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. One of the most tolerant Manzanitas to garden conditions; its prostrate branches may root to extend the clump. S/M-D/GDr
Extremely handsome big evergreen shrub with classic mahogany bark peeling to reveal that much loved Hi-Gloss finish. Pink urn-shaped flowers in spring age white followed by russet berries liked by birds. Leaves are held perpendicular to the sun to conserve water. Good drainage, no fertilizer.
An attractive plant, it has a generous covering of white spring bell flowers, and the usual red fruits and smooth red bark characteristic of manzanita. Leaves are a rich, deep green with red highlights. It is usually purported to reach 3 - 6' tall, but I've seen it reach at least 12' tall and wider in Seattle. This is perhaps the most commonly available manzanita in nurseries, being considered “one of the most dependable and adaptable” of the bunch. What that really means is that people managing nurseries and gardens with heavy watering regimes and less than adequate drainage are less likely to kill it than other species - not that there's any thing wrong with the other species. It prefers full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil types as long as drainage is decent. Hardy to about 0 - 5 °F.
'Howard McMinn' is THE perfect Manzanita! Other varieties can be fussy about conditions but this Manzanita is very forgiving & accepts clay & sandy soil. It can even be clipped like an azalea or pruned into a small tree to show off its beautiful cinnamon colored bark. If you have been afraid to plant a Manzanita, this is the one to start with. A. densiflora is also known as “Vine Hill Manzanita.” Grows up to 8' tall and 6-10' wide in garden conditions. The dark green foliage is very dense with small white to pink flowers that are very popular with hummingbirds & bees during the Winter and early Spring. Prefers coastal areas in California but thrives inland with occasional Summer water.
A 6’x6’ mahogany bark; leaves are deep green and are perpendicular to the stems. Lots of pink urn shaped flowers in late winter.

Gardening facts about Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn' plant

How to Grow Arctostaphylos x densiflora 'Howard McMinn'

  • 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
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • winter
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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