Overview
Arctostaphylos refugisensis is a plant with a bushy, spreading branched habit in the genus Arctostaphylos, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Arctostaphylos refugisensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance and ground cover.
About
Arctostaphylos refugisensis is an evergreen, well-branched, spreading shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae). It forms a low, branched habit suited to surface-covering planting. Plants perform in full sun or partial shade and tolerate exposed or sheltered positions. It prefers clay, loam or sand soils that are acid to neutral and reliably well drained, and is fully hardy (H7) in the UK.
About the genus
Arctostaphylos is a genus of plants within the family Ericaceae. Many plants within the genus Arctostaphylos are also commonly called manzanitas(/ˌmænzəˈniːtəz/) or bearberries. There are 107 taxa within Arctostaphylos, 106 of which are found in the California Floristic Province.
Wikipedia contributors, "Arctostaphylos", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arctostaphylos
In the garden
Arctostaphylos refugisensis is an evergreen member of the Ericaceae with a spreading, branched habit that suits low planting or use as a surface-covering shrub. Plants take full sun to partial shade and will tolerate exposed sites as well as sheltered corners, making it adaptable to many garden aspects, particularly south-, east- or west-facing positions. Soil must be well drained: it grows in clay, loam or sand and suits acid to neutral pH. Aim for a planting spot that is moist but free-draining rather than waterlogged; these conditions reflect its preference for soils that retain some moisture without becoming saturated. The species is rated H7 for the UK, meaning it is fully hardy and will withstand typical winter conditions. Use Arctostaphylos refugisensis in gravel gardens or within a Mediterranean-style group where free-draining soils are available, or as a low ground cover over slopes and banks. Its spreading habit reduces the need for frequent replacement, and it works well in low-maintenance schemes where a hardy, evergreen cover is wanted. It flowers from March to May.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Arctostaphylos
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Arctostaphylos refugisensis size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arctostaphylos refugisensis
- Propagation
- Seed soaked in boiling water for 20 seconds, Sow in autumn in containers, Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Layering shoots in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Maybe susceptible to leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Arctostaphylos refugisensis?
Arctostaphylos refugisensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Arctostaphylos refugisensis need?
Arctostaphylos refugisensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Arctostaphylos refugisensis hardy in the UK?
Arctostaphylos refugisensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Arctostaphylos refugisensis?
Seed soaked in boiling water for 20 seconds, Sow in autumn in containers, Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Layering shoots in autumn.