Plant Guide

Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Emerald Carpet'

• Common Name

  Emerald Carpet Manzanita
• CA Native

  California Native
• Plant Type

  Ground Cover
• Size

  1' x 6' - 8'
• Flower Color

  Pink
• Bloom Time

  • Spring
• Leaves

  Bright Green
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Bees
• Growth Rate

  Slow
• Hardiness

  Hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Erosion Control
  • Low Maintenance
• Water Use

  • Low
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Not Particular
• Drainage

  Well Drained
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  The Emerald Carpet Manzanita makes a great ground cover in both full sun and part shade. It forms a dense. mounding  carpet of bright green leaves and pale pink flowers in spring that turn into tiny brick-red berry-like drupes in summer.The slender branches root when in contact with soil and can extend approximately  8' out from the trunk of the plant.

  Plant slightly above grade in well-drained soils. Prefers a sandy, loamy,  loose soil that drains quickly but will tolerate clay if drainage is corrected. No amendments or fertizers needed. Does best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. In the hotter parts of Marin, water deeply every 2 - 3 weeks in the summer. In coastal Marin water once a month.No overhead watering!

  Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to these plants.

  No significant diseases or pests as long as drainage is good. Can develop fungal diseases where drainage is not good and there is too much water around roots.

• Master Gardener Comments

  This is my choice for a hillside groundcover. It stays bright green all summer even in my southwest hillside.

• Varietals

  N / A