Hoary Manzanita

Planting

Plant your hoary manzanita in full sun with excellent drainage - this native chaparral shrub demands it. Space it 4 to 7 feet apart depending on whether you want a dense hedge or a more open form. Fall or early winter planting takes advantage of the rainy season and gives the plant time to establish before summer heat arrives.

After Planting

Water deeply but infrequently during the first growing season to encourage deep roots, then transition to very low water once established - typically by year two. Skip fertilizer and amendments; this plant evolved on poor, lean soils and resents rich conditions. Prune lightly after flowering in spring if needed to maintain shape, but hoary manzanita naturally grows into an attractive form. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering once the plant is established; resist the urge to treat it like a typical garden shrub.

Mammals

higBlack-tailed deer

Foliage · Year-Round

browse evergreen foliage especially in winter when other browse limited

modBlack-tailed Jackrabbit

Foliage · Year-Round

foliage and tender shoots year-round in chaparral habitats

Birds

modCalifornia quail

Seeds · Year-Round

consume fallen seeds and dried fruit in post-breeding season

modCalifornia scrub-jay

Seeds · Year-Round

cache and consume manzanita seeds as fall/winter food resource

Insects