Island Manzanita Plant Care

Island Manzanita (Arctostaphylos insularis) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Arctostaphylos genus. Island Manzanita is native to Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands of California.

Island Manzanita displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Island Manzanita produces small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Island Manzanita every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Island Manzanita thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Arctostaphylos insularis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Island Manzanita prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content, such as peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Island Manzanita to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Island Manzanita every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content, such as peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Island Manzanita is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Island Manzanita can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Island Manzanita while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Island Manzanita is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Island Manzanita can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bearberry plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Island Manzanita is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, root rot. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Island Manzanita grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Island Manzanita is native to Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands of California. In cooler regions, grow Island Manzanita as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.