Arctostaphylos Canescens

Hoary manzanita is an evergreen shrub from Oregon and northern California, recognised by its smooth red-brown bark and silvery grey-green leaves, stems and young shoots clothed in fine pale hairs. Clusters of small white to blush-pink urn-shaped flowers open in late winter and spring, followed by rounded red-brown fruits. The twisting branches and contrasting bark give mature plants strong sculptural character throughout the year. Naturally adapted to chaparral and open woodland, it appreciates sun, acidic well-drained soil and dry summers, making an unusual specimen for a sheltered coastal garden or specialist collection.