Arctostaphylos 'Pacific Mist,' commonly known as Pacific Mist Manzanita, is a charming California native shrub ideal for gardens in the San Francisco East Bay. This evergreen plant typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet and spreads about 4 to 5 feet wide, making it a great choice for landscape accents or low hedges.
The growth habit of Pacific Mist is dense and rounded, featuring smooth, reddish-brown bark that adds visual interest throughout the year. Its leaves are small, oval, and have a striking gray-green color, creating a lovely contrast against the bark. In late winter to early spring, Pacific Mist produces delicate clusters of small, white to pink urn-shaped flowers that attract pollinators, adding seasonal beauty to the garden.
This hardy shrub thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden conditions. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping. Pacific Mist Manzanita not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also supports local ecosystems by providing habitat for wildlife, making it a valuable addition to any California native plant collection.