Description

This unusual manzanita will look like a bigberry manzanita when young. The leaves are large ovals and the stems are smooth and hairless. The first indication that something is unusual comes as new growth emerges. Unlike those of a typical bigberry, the new leaves of canyon blush manzanita will be red and remain that color for several months. The display is quite striking. As the plant continues to grow it will favor a mounding growth form, unlike a bigberry which is reliably upright. Over many years a wide mound develops. Canyon blush was discovered in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden by Dara Emery. SBBG currently identifies it as a cross between the bigberry manzanita and Eastwood manzanita, A. glandulosa. I am not sure which subspecies of A glandulosa was thought to contribute red new growth and mounding form. Perhaps there’s some contribution from the Pajaro manzanita, A. pajaroensis? In any case, canyon blush is a distinct manzanita and contributes much to a native garden where space allows.