Chieftain manzanita
Arctostaphylos x coloradensis ‘Chieftain'
Chieftain manzanita is a selection from the Uncompaghre Plateau in western Colorado. It's a much more vigorous manzanita than other Plant Select® introductions. It's also the largest of our hardy manzanitas.
Oval leaves emerge with a reddish tint changing to bold dark green, persisting through the winter making this an outstanding evergreen groundcover. White flowers tinged with pink appear in late spring followed by red berries in early fall. Striking, smooth cinnamon-red to purplish exfoliating bark appears as the plant matures.
Tips from the pros: Does best when planted on slopes with good drainage - consider expanded shale or squeegee when amending clay soil. Seems to prefer shade in the late afternoon. Give it room to grow, even though it's slow to establish.
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Plant Type | Shrub |
Height | 1-2 feet |
Width | 5-6 feet |
Flowering Season | Early spring |
Flower Color | Pink |
Sun | Sun, Part Sun |
Water Needs | Moderate to xeric |
USDA Hardiness Zone | Zones 5-8 |
Soil Type | Loam, Sandy |
Deer Resistant | Yes |
Good for Pollination | Yes |
Winter Interest | Yes |
North American Native | Yes |
Year Introduced | 2013 |
Annual Commercial Maintenance | Never touch unless there is damage to branches and only prune those branches out in spring. |
5-10 Year Commercial Maintenance | Follow annual maintenance. This can be a long lived woody shrub if growing conditions are correct. |
Elevation Guide | Up to 8125 ft |