Radiant Manzanita, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a
prostrate evergreen ground cover with pink flowers and red berries.
Native throughout the northern US, and both coasts. On the west coast
it grows from northern California to Alaska along the coast. Radiant
manzanita likes part shade inland to full sun near coast
or where the days stay below 90F. Prefers sandy soils with organic
matter, but will tolerate most soils as long as there is some drainage
and moisture. If your rain fall is less than 35" supplement
summer water 1/week will be needed. It grows rapidly near the coast
as long as it has water. Its final height is 2-5 inches tall and width
is 6 feet or so. As long as it is in garden conditions near the
coast or in middle
elevations it is good to great. We have to water it as we would a lawn.
(but we have been described as hell in summer). This Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi looks
clean and fresh. Use next to a cool walk or patio,
over that mossy retaining wall or next to a lawn. It can also be used
in place of a lawn. Uses a little less water and doesn't have to be
mowed. 'Radient' manzanita commonly looks better than a lawn in a west
coast garden, it looks like it belongs there.
Other forms (that we do not grow), 'Wood's Red' is hybrid of uva-ursi with
glossy red,
dark green leaves. It seems to be garden tolerant and like the interior
heat as long as it has afternoon shade and reg. water. 'Wood's Compact'
is apparently a little more upright and spreads a little less.
Leaves used as tobacco substitute, stems used to make
pipes,berry edible.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Radiant ' tolerates sand and clay.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Radiant ' is great for a bird garden.
Foliage of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Radiant ' has color reddish-green, is evergreen and is edible.
Flower of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Radiant ' has color pink.
Fruit of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Radiant ' is edible.
Communities for Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Radiant ':Coastal Sage Scrub and Northern Coastal Sage Scrub.