Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Sentinel'

Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Sentinel'
Common Name: Sentinel Manzanita

This medium-size manzanita makes a beautiful garden specimen. Its upright habit reveals smooth bark with rich chocolate color. Easily pruned into a small tree shape. Tolerates heavy soils and garden care.

---

Plant Family: Ericaceae

Plant Type: Shrub

Height by Width: 6-8' H x 6' W

Growth Habit: Upright form

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Slow

Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun

Soil Preference: Adaptable

Water Requirements: Drought-tolerant to occasional

Cold Hardy to: 15-20 degrees F

Flower Season: Winter

Flower Color: White to light pink

Endangered?: Not listed

Distribution: Selected for use in the garden; introduced by Saratoga Horticultural Foundation

Natural Habitat: Old sand dunes in Sonoma County

---

Care and Maintenance

• With proper placement, manzanitas require little maintenance. Selectively prune to remove dead branches or to reveal structure. Avoid unnecessary pruning. Manzanitas are prone to branch die-back, caused by a naturally occurring fungal pathogen. When removing dead branches, sterilize pruning shears with alcohol between cuts to prevent the spread of the disease.

History

Other Names

References

• Bornstein, Carol, David Fross, and Bart O'Brien. California Native Plants for the Garden. Los Olivos, CA: Cachuma Press. 2005.

Links