Description

This Santa Cruz Island endemic grows in an open, mounding form to up to 15 feet. The open structure displays peeling red bark and auriculate leaves. The clusters of white flowers in the winter can be quite large and dense compared to other manzanita species. Santa Cruz Island manzanita is a good choice for planting among conifers, where it is often found in its Channel Island habitat. The pine duff maintains the acidic pH preferred by manzanitas. Santa Cruz Island manzanita is tolerant of regular watering as long as adequate drainage is provided but also tolerates summer dry conditions.