Origin
Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz, commonly known as the Santa Cruz Island manzanita, is a shrub species native to the Channel Islands of California, particularly on Santa Cruz Island.
Common Names
Aside from Santa Cruz Island manzanita, this plant is also commonly referred to as Late-blooming manzanita, Constance manzanita, or Eastwood's manzanita
Uses
Native American communities on the Channel Islands have been known to use the leaves of the manzanita species for its medicinal properties. The plant's recent and new life as a drought-tolerant ornamental plant is known even in California and Nevada gardens.
General Appearance
The Santa Cruz Island manzanita shrub can grow up to a height of two to three meters, with a spread of up to two meters. It is known for its unique, reddish-brown bark that peels off in thin strips, revealing a smooth surface underneath. Its leathery, oval-shaped leaves are glossy green, with a distinctive olive-colored sheen on the underside. The manzanita produces clusters of pink or white bell-shaped flowers, which appear in late winter to early spring. The plant is also identifiable by its smooth, red berries that ripen in summer.
Growth Conditions for Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz
Light: Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora requires abundant sunlight to grow healthily. This understory shrub grows naturally in open, sunny areas and can tolerate partial shading, but long periods of shade can stunt its growth and affect flowering and fruiting.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to grow in mild to warm climates and thrives in areas with a Mediterranean-like climate. Arctostaphylos subcordata is known to tolerate high summer temperatures and mild winter frosts, making it a resilient plant to grow in most gardens.
Soil: The Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora prefers well-drained soils with low fertility and a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow on various soils like clay, loam, or sandy areas, but the ideal growth conditions are in sandy loam soils. It is necessary to avoid planting it in areas with compacted soils, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz grows best in well-drained soil with good drainage. Ensure that the soil pH is between 5.0 to 6.0 for optimal growth. The plant should be grown in an area that receives full sunlight. Start by preparing your planting site by removing weeds or any brushes.
Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz is best propagated through stem cuttings, which should be collected from the basal part of the plant. The cuttings should then be treated with rooting hormones before planting them in a container that contains a potting mix with good drainage.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers well-draining soil, so it is crucial to avoid overwatering. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply, ensuring that the soil is soaked through. Avoid watering the plant from above, which can make it a victim of fungus diseases.
Fertilization
Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz is a slow-growing plant and does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilize the plant once a year, preferably in the spring, using a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is usually done during the winter months when the plant becomes dormant. Prune any dead or damaged branches as they can cause the plant to be vulnerable to pests and diseases. Thin out the interior of the plant to promote air circulation. Cut back the plant by a third or a half of its overall height to encourage it to grow bushier.
Propagation
Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz can be propagated by seed and cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora (Eastw.) Munz can be collected in late summer or early fall, when they are fully mature. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until sowing in late fall or early winter. The seedlings will emerge in the spring, and can be transplanted to their permanent location after their first year of growth.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant is in active growth. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be 4-6 inches long, and taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone, and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until roots have formed, usually within 6-8 weeks.
Disease Management for Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora
Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora is generally a healthy plant. However, it can be affected by a few diseases which can harm its growth and productivity. To prevent disease outbreaks, it is important to maintain good plant health and hygiene.
The plant can be affected by foliar diseases such as leaf spots, blights, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, remove and destroy infected leaves and stems. Apply fungicides containing copper or sulfur to protect the plant from infection. Ensure the plant is not over-watered and receives enough sunlight.
Pest Management for Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora
Arctostaphylos subcordata Eastw. var. confertiflora can be prone to infestation by pests including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the plant sap and can stunt the growth of the plant.
To control pest infestation, inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation such as webs, deformed leaves or sticky residue. Remove any infected plant parts and isolate the plant from other nearby plants to prevent the spread of infestation.
Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to control the pest population. Alternatively, neem oil, insecticidal soap or horticultural oils can be used to control the population. Apply these treatments as per the instructions on the label and avoid using excessive amounts as it may harm the plant.
