Water
Water sparingly once established. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during summer. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot.
Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Eldorado Manzanita · Nissenan Manzanita
El Dorado Manzanita (Arctostaphylos nissenana) is an evergreen shrub native to California, featuring attractive red bark and delicate white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for best growth and flowering.
Drought Tolerant Once Established
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in summer and winter.
Well-draining, sandy, loamy
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers mild to warm temperatures. Can tolerate some frost once established, but protect young plants from severe cold.
Low Feed
25% intensity
Generally does not require fertilization. If needed, use a very diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring.
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
Water sparingly once established. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during summer. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot.
Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as manzanitas do not readily resprout from old wood.
Focus on maintaining a natural, attractive form.
Propagation is best achieved through cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Use a rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining medium. Seeds are difficult to germinate and require stratification.
Patience is key for successful propagation.
Repotting is rarely necessary for established plants as they dislike root disturbance. If a young plant outgrows its container, repot in early spring into a slightly larger pot with excellent drainage.
Use a gritty, lean potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of El Dorado Manzanita (Arctostaphylos nissenana)
Where El Dorado Manzanita (Arctostaphylos nissenana) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arctostaphylos |
| Species | Arctostaphylos nissenana |
Similar in genus Arctostaphylos
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data