Description

This cornerstone manzanita was discovered in Monterey County in 1965, an apparent hybrid of the pajaro manzanita, Arctostaphylos pajaroensis, and Hooker’s manzanita, Arctostaphylos hookeri. ‘Sunset’ was introduced to the nursery trade by the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation, named to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Sunset Magazine. The growth form is a dense round shrub up to about six feet. Over time, the structure opens up to reveal a tortuous structure of mahogany branches. Judicious summer pruning at this stage of maturity will yield a more attractive specimen plant. The influence of the Pajaro manzanita is seen in the attractive bronze hue of the new leaves. ‘Sunset’ manzanita prefers soil of at least medium drainage. It is surprisingly tolerant of full sun in inland settings in light of its coast origins.