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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Ericaceae (Heaths, Heathers) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Parentage: (A. hookeri x A. pajaroensis) |
| Height: 4-5 feet |
| Width: 4-5 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F |
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Arctostaphylos 'Sunset' (Manzanita) - This hybrid of A. pajaroensis and A. hookeri forms a dense, mounding shrub to 5 to 8 feet tall by as wide or slightly wider with shiny green leaves that are bright copper when young and has new stems covered with fine white hairs. Mature bark is light brown with age but sheds to reveal new honey-brown-colored bark. The attractive pinkish-white flowers appear in short clusters early spring. Plant in full sun to light shade and give little to occasional irrigation. Hardy to around 5 degrees F. This manzanita has proven to be a durable long-lived shrub that can be planted in a wide range of conditions. Unlike many other shrubby cultivars, it has shredding brown bark that is mostly hidden beneath the dense foliage. This plant was discovered in 1965 by Roman Ganklin and W. Richard Hildreth in chaparral near Prunedale in Monterey County, while on a plant collection trip for the UC Davis Arboretum. The plant was noted to exhibit characteristics intermediate between Arctostaphylos pajaroensis and A. hookeri, the two species growing at this location. It had the shredded bark typical of A. pajaroensis and glossy. Pointed leaves and hairy new branches of A. hookeri. Cuttings of it were rooted and planted at the arboretum and plants were shared with the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation where it was trialled and released with the name commemorating the 75th anniversary of Sunset Magazine in 1973. The name Arctostaphylos was given to the genus by the French (of Scottish descent) naturalist Michel Adanson (1707-1778), who first named the circumboreal Arctostaphylos uva-ursi for plants found in Europe. The name comes from the Greek words 'arktos' meaning "bear" and 'staphyle' meaning "grapes" in reference to bears eating the fruit and the common name Bearberry also references this fact.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Arctostaphylos 'Sunset'.
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