Rock Manzanita
arctostaphylos glauca
Also known as: ["Glauca Manzanita","Rock Bearberry"]
Overview
A low-growing, evergreen shrub native to California, characterized by its leathery, glaucous leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Arctostaphylos |
| Botanical Name: | Arctostaphylos glauca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or xeriscaped areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; mimics its native chaparral habitat.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use a soil mix with good aeration; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in Mediterranean climates with mild winters and dry summers.
Protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid placing near drafty windows or heat sources.
Fertilizing
every 3 months during active growth with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent salt buildup; use a fertilizer low in phosphorus; apply before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; hardwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring are most reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late winter to early spring, when the plant is dormant or just beginning to bud.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining medium such as sand and peat mix or cactus soil with perlite.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting bottle, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage lateral growth; remove crossing or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage bushier growth; focus on structural improvement rather than drastic size reduction.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts just above buds or branches; remove dead or diseased wood first.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; check for pests during repotting; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage and slow metabolic processes, leading to wilting or dieback.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold conditions; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, dehydration, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Increase watering frequency during heatwaves; provide afternoon shade; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use appropriate fertilizer type; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during active growth only; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if applied monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicArctostaphylos glauca is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxins that would harm felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicArctostaphylos glauca is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that this plant poses a risk to canine health when ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicArctostaphylos glauca, commonly known as rock manzanita, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Arctostaphylos glauca require much water?
A: No, it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil with minimal watering once established.
Q: Is this plant suitable for wildlife gardens?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it ideal for wildlife-supporting landscapes.
Q: Can Arctostaphylos glauca be grown in containers?
A: While possible, it is best suited for ground planting due to its sprawling growth habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, allowing so |
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