Origin
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells, also known as the Eastwood's manzanita, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. It is indigenous to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, as well as the foothills of the eastern side of the Central Valley.
Common Names
Aside from Eastwood's manzanita, Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis is known by other common names such as soft manzanita, glandular manzanita, and woolly manzanita. Its Latin name translates to "bear berry," as bears are known to consume its small berries.
Uses
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis has traditionally been used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. Its leaves and bark contain a compound called arbutin, which has diuretic and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the plant is used in landscaping, as it is drought-tolerant, visually attractive, and provides habitat for various birds and mammals.
General Appearance
The Eastwood's manzanita is a small, broadleaf evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 2 to 8 feet. Its bark is reddish-brown and peels off in thin strips, revealing smooth, reddish-brown wood underneath. Its leaves are oval-shaped, light green, and waxy, with a glandular texture that gives them a sticky feel. The leaves are attached to reddish-brown stems that are covered in fine hairs. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and white to pinkish in color, and the fruit is a small, red or pinkish berry.
Light Requirements
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant cannot tolerate deep shade as it hinders its photosynthetic activities. Therefore, it is important to plant it in an area that receives adequate sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to California, hence can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in areas with a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 100°F.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained, sandy, and loam soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, and with adequate drainage. The plant can tolerate drought conditions once established, but frequent watering during the establishment phase is vital.
Cultivation of Arctostaphylos Glandulosa Eastw. ssp. Mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells is a low-growing shrub that is native to California. If you are considering growing this plant in your garden, it is important to have a good understanding of the cultivation requirements. The following guidelines can help you grow a healthy and thriving arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis plant.
Watering Needs
It is essential to water your Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis plant regularly during the growing season. This will help to keep the soil moist and prevent the plant from drying out. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. The best practice is to provide moderate watering and let the soil dry out to a depth of one inch before the next watering session.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and flowering, it is necessary to fertilize your Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis plant regularly. You can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer specific to shrubs and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, it is best to apply a light dose of fertilizer in the late winter or early spring and then again in late summer or early fall.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. You can prune your Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis plant in late winter or early spring, before the new growth emerges. Prune away any dead or damaged branches, as well as any overcrowded or crossing branches. You can also promote bushier growth by selectively pruning back some of the branches.
In conclusion, Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells is a beautiful and hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of climates. By following the above guidelines for watering, fertilization, and pruning, you can help your plant grow healthy and vibrant, providing a beautiful addition to your garden.
Propagation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells, commonly known as Eastwood's manzanita, is a California-native evergreen shrub. Propagation of this plant is possible through various methods, as discussed below.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells is possible through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and sown in the soil during the fall or early winter. The seeds must be cleaned before sowing and must be stratified for two to three months in moist sand at low temperatures of about 40°F. After stratification, seeds can be sown in well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination, which can take up to two months.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells through stem cuttings is a common method in horticulture. Cuttings should be taken during the dormancy period, which is usually during late fall or early winter. Healthy stem cuttings of about 3-4 inches are taken from the current season's growth, and leaves from the lower section of the stem are removed. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a shaded area until roots develop, which can take up to three months.
Layering Propagation
Propagation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells is possible through layering. Layering is achieved by bending a low-hanging branch to the ground and securing it with a wire. The bark of the branch is then scraped at the point of contact with the soil, and rooting hormone is applied. The area is then covered with soil, ensuring that the tip of the branch is exposed above the soil. Roots will develop at the scraped area and will form a new plant. The new plant can be separated from the parent plant when it has developed enough roots to sustain itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells Plant
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. mollis (J.E. Adams) P.V. Wells, also known as the Eastwood's manzanita, is a species of shrub native to California. This plant is relatively disease and pest resistant, but there are a few common issues that gardeners may encounter.
Common Diseases
Phytophthora Root Rot: This is a soil-borne disease caused by the Phytophthora fungus that can cause the roots of the plant to rot. To manage this disease, it is important to plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be applied, although prevention is the best method of management.
Leaf Blight: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves that can lead to defoliation. Pruning infected branches and promoting good airflow around the plant can help manage this disease. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and manage leaf blight.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause significant damage to the leaves and stems of the manzanita plant. These pests can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with water, which will help wash off the mites. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs can also be introduced to the garden to feed on the spider mites.
Euonymus Scale: These small insects can cause yellowing of leaves and premature leaf drop. For scale management, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and prune off heavily infected branches. Horticultural oils can also be applied to manage the scale insects.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to plant leaves and stems. Handpicking the caterpillars or using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) can help manage the pest.
Prevention is the key to avoiding both disease and pest issues with the Eastwood's manzanita. Gardeners should ensure that plants are grown in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, prune diseased branches and promote good airflow around the plant.
