Description

Mission manzanita is an uncommon plant encountered in a variety of mountainous settings from Los Angeles County south. It is most common in San Diego County, where many mature specimens may be observed at Daley Ranch in Escondido. Mission manzanita slowly grows in an open, rounded form with smooth cinnamon and gray bark to nearly twenty feet. The leaves are dark green on top, white underneath. In winter, Mission manzanita is covered with pinkish bell shaped flowers that show it close relationship to the true manzanita. The maturing fruit transitions from green to red, and finally dark purple. Soil with at least moderate drainage and some shade seem to provide mission manzanita what it needs. Watering should be kept to a minimum after the plant is established. Somewhat surprising, mission manzanita can be grown successfully in a pot.