Dr. Hurd Manzanita

Dr. Cuthbert Hurd didn't even know what he had. The Saratoga Horticultural Foundation found it growing in his garden in 1972. He didn't plant it, he said. It was probably a runaway seedling from the nearby native plant nursery that had been around since the 50's. The Society collected it and began propagating it. After all, it was the biggest Manzanita they had ever seen!

And it still is. Dr. Hurd Manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita 'Dr. Hurd') is one of the biggest of the "big" Manzanitas. It can be trained as a small tree (especially if you want to admire its striking dark red bark) or a huge hedge shrub (it's evergreen in mild-winter areas). You'll love the pretty white flowers that cover it every year, but the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds will love them even more!

Thriving throughout USDA planting zones 8 to 10, these shrubs grow fast to 12 - 15 feet tall and 10 - 12 feet wide, but can be held at any size needed. Adaptable to most soils and full sun, these are water-wise and drought-tolerant plants that handle a wide range of conditions.

Planting and Application:

It is a select showpiece plant for an urban garden! These are fantastic tall hedge plants, that can be fast and showy privacy that screens out unwanted views and prying eyes all year round! Plant your new outdoor garden room, windbreak, or property dividing hedge 5-8 feet apart on center, that way the branches will grow together and form a solid screen!

Define your landscape's borders and beds with a neatly trimmed or sheared hedge, or let them grow into their compact natural form! Groupings, alles, and rows can be used as impressive backdrops that highlight everything else planted around them!

Manzanita is a relatively fast-growing shrub that can be pruned after flowering to achieve the desired height or spread and may even be trained to become a small tree form - exposing the unique and very showy red bark and twisty stems! Pot up in a large planter or decorative raised bed for a prominent focal point in your Xeric and Rock garden setting!

• Glossy Light Green Foliage
• Evergreen In Warm Climates
• Pollinators Love The Pinkish White Blooms
• Showy Dark Reddish-Brown Bark
• Hedges, Tree-Form Specimens, Backdrops & Windbreaks

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Dr. Hurd grows equally well in sand or clay and is very water-wise but it handles richer soil and more water than most other Arctostaphylos do. Plant in full sun for the best growth, and provide regular water at first, but once established, these plants do great with only supplemental water during extreme drought and prolonged heat waves. Provide 3-4 inches of arborist mulch to hold in soil moisture more consistently and insulate the roots. Prune after the flowers fade to keep these smaller if needed.

• Full Sun Tree or Shrub
• Moderate to Low Moisture Needs - Xeric Once Established
• Any Well-Drained Slightly-Acidic Soil - Best In Low Fertility
• Prune After Flowering
• Salt, Deer, & Rabbit Resistant

This reliable shrub grows faster than other Manzanitas and is certain to be a great addition to your garden this year. Order yours today at Nature Hills Nursery!