Mock Bearberry Manzanita: A Magnificient Manzanita

(Arctostaphylos xcoloradoensis
John Navant, Navant Designs, Golden Colorado

Change is good! What would you call a broad leaf evergreen that could be used to replace the monotonous low growing groundcover juniper? What would you call a plant that grows in poor soil, dry conditions and full sun or partial shade? Such a plant would be called 'PRICELESS' and it is coming to a garden center near you! Welcome the Mock Bearberry Manzanita.

This selection is from plants found near the Uncompahgre Plateau west of Grand Junction, Colorado. This selection comes from Betsy Baldwin, Golden, Colorado. In its native environment this Manzanita grows in full sun to partial shade in decomposed granite soil. It's thought to be a natural hybrid between Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) and Greenleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula.)

Mock Bearberry Manzanita will grow between 10"-15" in height and spread from 36" to 60" over time. The flowers, although relatively inconspicuous, are white to pale pink and bloom in late winter to early spring. The foliage often turns rich reddish purple in the fall. As far as water needs go, for the first couple of years it will need supplemental water. Once established, however, this sturdy plant requires very little moisture. The hardiness range of this manzanita allows it to be enjoyed in gardens from the mountains to the plains.

Gary Epstein of Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery recommends that you plant in well drained soil with little or no organic soil amendment. In addition to spring planting, he has had good experience planting it in late summer and early fall because it prefers cooler soils for root development.      

So, for the newest broad leaved evergreen to be used as a sub shrub or a ground cover that provides great winter texture for your garden you owe it to yourself to give Mock Bearberry Manzanita a try!

Shrub
Height: 10-15"
Width: 36-60"
Blooms: February to April
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Xeric once established
Hardiness: USDA zones 4b-8 (has been grown up to 7,500').