Arctostaphylos 'Pacific Mist' (1 Gallon) Manzanita

About this item

Pacific Mist Manzanita is an attractive, spreading evergreen groundcover prized for its graceful, low-growing habit, distinctive gray-green foliage, and delicate clusters of white flowers. Growing approximately 1–2 feet tall and spreading 5–8 feet wide, this versatile California garden favorite creates a beautiful, soft-textured carpet of evergreen foliage.

Its pointed, silvery gray-green leaves provide year-round interest, while clusters of small white flowers appear throughout the cooler months and into spring. The flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, while the berries provide a valuable food source for birds, making this an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Introduced by Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in 1981, Pacific Mist is a hybrid manzanita of uncertain parentage, possibly including Arctostaphylos silvicola. Unlike many manzanitas, it is remarkably adaptable and can tolerate dry shade, making it an especially valuable addition to challenging garden locations. It performs beautifully in coastal landscapes, including sandy beach soils, but can also adapt to heavier soil conditions when properly established.

An excellent choice for cascading over retaining walls, covering slopes, filling large landscape spaces, or planting in containers, Pacific Mist Manzanita is relatively easy to grow and tolerates a variety of garden conditions. Its spreading growth habit benefits from periodic pruning, generally at least twice a year, to maintain a neat appearance and prevent it from becoming overgrown.

For best results, plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Once established, it requires relatively little supplemental water, making it a beautiful and practical choice for coastal gardens, drought-conscious landscapes, and naturalistic plantings.

Exposure

• Full Sun

• Partial Shade

• Tolerates Dry Shade

Water Needs

• Low to Moderate

• Drought Tolerant Once Established

Mature Size

• Height: 1–2 feet

• Width: 5–8 feet

Key Features

• California Garden Favorite

• Evergreen Groundcover

• Coastal Tolerant

• Dry Shade Tolerant

• Hummingbird Attracting

• Wildlife Friendly

• Bird-Attracting Berries

• Excellent for Slopes and Retaining Walls

• Suitable for Containers

• Lawn Alternative

Growth Habit

• Prostrate

• Spreading

Growth Rate

• Slow

Cold Tolerance

• Tolerates temperatures to approximately 15°F

Foliage

• Evergreen

• Gray-Green

Flower Color & Season

• Color: White

• Bloom Time: Primarily Winter and Spring

Soil Requirements

• Adaptable to a Variety of Soil Types

• Sandy, Medium, or Heavier Soils

• Good Drainage Preferred