Description

This rare manzanita grows on a few mountains in southern San Diego County, and possibly into Baja, Mexico. It is an unusually beautiful species. The leaves are silver-green due to a waxy coating and fine hairs, both of which facilitate water conservation. There is often a red margin when the leaves first emerge. The inflorescence is also a combination of silver, green and red, culminating with large clusters of pink flowers. The form is rounded and upright, The tortuous branch structure becomes more evident as the plant matures and lower branches lose their leaves or die back. Otay Mountain manzanita grows in lean, well-draining soils in sunny sites. This manzanita has proven to be quite accepting of growing in a container, as long as the potting soil is well-draining and an effort is made to keep the pot cool in the heat of the summer.