Also known as Mt. Diablo Manzanita
Mount Diablo manzanita (Arctostaphylos auriculata) is a striking evergreen shrub native to California, featuring reddish bark and delicate pinkish-white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade. More sun generally leads to denser growth and better flowering. Avoid deep shade.
Low to Very Low
25% intensity
Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply and infrequently during the first year. Avoid overwatering, especially in well-draining soil.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to High
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, from hot dry summers to cool, moist winters. It is well-adapted to Mediterranean climates.
Very Low
0% intensity
Generally not needed. If desired, a very light application of low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Over-fertilizing is detrimental.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Once established, Mount Diablo manzanita is highly drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently during its first year to help it establish.
After that, minimal supplemental watering is needed, especially in its native habitat. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure excellent drainage.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as manzanitas have slow growth and can be sensitive to excessive cutting.
Focus on maintaining a natural form and good air circulation.
Propagation is typically done from seeds or cuttings. Seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood in late summer or early fall.
Success rates can vary, and patience is key for establishing new plants.
Repotting is rarely necessary for mature plants as they prefer to remain undisturbed. If transplanting a young plant, do so with extreme care to minimize root disturbance.
Ensure the new location has excellent drainage, mimicking its native rocky or sandy habitats.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mount Diablo Manzanita (Arctostaphylos auriculata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arctostaphylos |
| Species | Arctostaphylos auriculata |
Similar in genus Arctostaphylos
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
