Lester Rowntree Manzanita

Lester Rowntree Manzanita

Another lovely selection of the Pajaro Manzanita, this one named for one of the greatest proponents and explorers of California flora to ever grace the state. Lester Rowntree was an avid explorer, collector, gardener and writer who published many articles and the books Hardy Californians and Flowering Shrubs of California, which are still popular and exciting to this day! Bright red new growth lasts nearly all summer before fading into a grey blue for fall and winter, but then the show begins again in late January or February with pink tinted flowers that attract hummingbirds and native pollinators. Thought to be a hybrid between Arctostaphylos pajaroensis and another manzanita, though it looks mostly like a Pajaro Manzanita to us.

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Latin Name: Arctostaphylos pajaroensis
Site and Soil: Full sun and very well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Self fruitful
Hardiness: Hardy to about 5° F.
Size at Maturity: 6-8 ft in height by 6-8 ft wide, smaller with pruning.
Bloom Time: Late winter
Pests & Diseases: No pests or diseases that we’ve seen on our plants here in Portland
USDA Zone: 7b