Description

One of the many selections of this Monterey County endemic (i.e. found there and nowhere else), ‘Carmel Sur’ is an outstanding groundcover manzanita. It grows densely in a low, expanding mat with deep green waxy foliage. It does not seem to thin-out in the center over time. The light pink flowers of winter are typically sparse. Somewhat surprising in light of its coastal origins, ‘Carmel Sur’ tolerates sun and drought quite well, although some protection from the afternoon sun is still prudent. ‘Carmel Sur’ is considered more sun and drought tolerant than the bearberries, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, and Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet.’ At the same time, it is more tolerant of regular water than most – if not all – other manzanitas. Plant ‘Carmel Sur’ on a slope or along a wall to display its flowing habit.