🌿 Plant Profile: Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’

Jonna Semke
Aug 19
2 min read

Updated: Oct 6

White flowers, evergreen leaves and handsome burgundy bark of Howard McMinn Manzanita — White flowers in spring, evergreen leaves and deep mahogony bark make this plant one of the most handsome in the garden

🌿 Plant Profile: Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’

✨ The most adaptable Manzanita for gardens

‘Howard McMinn’ is a standout selection of manzanita, beloved for its year-round appeal and garden reliability. Unlike fussier species, this cultivar tolerates a bit more summer irrigation, making it a good fit for landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

🌸 Description

A dense, evergreen shrub with smooth mahogany-red bark, small glossy green leaves, and clusters of pale pink flowers in late winter to spring. Its neat, rounded form makes it one of the most versatile manzanitas for designed landscapes.

🌱 Ideal Uses

Accent shrub in low-water borders
Foundation planting for modern or naturalistic gardens
Wildlife-friendly gardens — attracts bees, hummingbirds, and birds that love its berries

📊 Plant Profile

Type: Evergreen shrub
Height/Spread: 4–6 ft tall × 6–10 ft wide
Flowers: Pale pink, late winter to spring
Light: Full sun (tolerates light shade)
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky
Water: Drought tolerant once established; tolerates occasional summer water
USDA Zones: 7–10

🛠 Maintenance Tips

Needs excellent drainage — avoid heavy clay.
Minimal pruning; remove only dead wood to maintain shape.
Once established, keep summer water occasional and deep, not frequent.

🎨 Design Notes

Its rounded form and polished bark make it a sculptural focal point. Pair with drought-tolerant companions like Ceanothus, Gaura, or Echinacea for seasonal color. Works beautifully with ornamental grasses for contrast.