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Manzanita

Arctostaphylos 'Dr. Hurd'

shrub☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 8a – Zone 10b

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Dr. Hurd is a tall, upright manzanita with smooth reddish-brown bark and small pink flowers in winter. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts birds and pollinators.

Why grow it

Dr. Hurd is notably taller and more columnar than many cultivated manzanitas, making it useful where vertical screening or height is desired in dry gardens. Like other Arctostaphylos species, it requires minimal supplemental water once established and supports native pollinators and birds, but offers a more upright form than spreading or mounding alternatives such as A. densiflora or A. uva-ursi.

Watch out for

Manzanitas are sensitive to root disturbance and transplant shock, so purchase container stock and plant carefully without breaking the root ball. In areas with summer fog or high humidity, watch for fungal issues and ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
6–8′ tall × 6–8′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen
Family
Ericaceae
Erosion controlPollinators & beneficial insectsEdible

Native to the United States

Native Range

California native

Native to: California

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Edible Parts

fruit

Season of Interest

WinterSpring

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Companion Planting

Plants well with