Howard McMinn Manzanita
This named form of Manzanita made it through the 2009 winter that seemed to kill off most Escallonias and Phormiums. At lows of seven degrees, this Manzanita didn’t even discolor or lose leaves. We have a few planted in the ground at the nursery and they have done beautifully without much irrigation or care.
‘Howard McMinn’ will tolerate more irrigation than other manzanitas but all are very drought tolerant in well draining soil. It will take full to half a day of sun and grows quickly to 4-5′ tall and at least 4-5′ wide. The hummingbirds love the light pink flowers that appear in early spring and smell like honey. It looks good all year and has dense growth unlike some leggier forms of manzanita. The red stems contrast nicely with the apple green leaves. The deer should leave it alone but we have gotten reports of deer chewing some tips. It may depend on the time of year and the deer population.