Arctostaphylos crustacea subsp. rosei, commonly known as Rose’s Manzanita, is a shrub native to the coastal and foothill regions of California, particularly within the chaparral and mixed evergreen forests. It is adapted to well-drained slopes and often occurs in serpentine soils, which are high in heavy metals and low in essential nutrients. This manzanita typically grows at a moderate rate to a height and width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters). The plant has a striking appearance with its smooth red bark and dense foliage. During the winter months, it produces clusters of urn-shaped flowers that range from white to pale pink, which are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees.

Rose’s Manzanita is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive bark, evergreen leaves, and winter flowering habit. It is used in native plant gardens, as a foundation planting, and for erosion control on slopes. This species is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers sandy or loamy soils with good drainage. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Gardeners should be aware that it does not transplant well due to its deep root system.CC BY-SA 4.0