This document summarizes information about the Mission Manzanita plant, a large evergreen shrub native to coastal Southern California. It has Manzanita-like foliage and produces small white or pink urn-shaped blooms in winter. It is drought tolerant and provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife. It requires full sun and well-drained soil and occasional summer water once established. It is a good choice for hot, dry gardens and habitat gardens.

1. Mission Manzanita – Xylococcus bicolor
(Zy-low-COCK-us BY-color)
Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Native to: Coastal S. CA (Los Angeles to San Diego Co.) & Catalina Isl.; on dry sunny slopes in
coastal chaparral below 2,000' elevation.
large woody shrub
mature height: 6-10 ft.
mature width: 6-10 ft.
Manzanita-like evergreen shrub, usually with a single trunk and rounded form. Bark is red-brown,
shreddy. Foliage looks somewhat like a cross between Manzanita and Coffeeberry – perhaps with a
little Ceanothus or Oak thrown in for interest. Leaves dark green, glossy above, wooly-white below.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in winter (after rains begin, Dec.-Feb.) although they form the previous
summer. Look like Manzanita blooms – small and urn-shaped, in clusters – white or pink. Nice and
showy in bloom. Fruits are small, dark-red, with a large seed (reminiscent of Coffeeberry).
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Excellent choice for a large shrub. Long-lived and nice-looking year-round.
Excellent choice for a habitat garden (see below). Excellent choice for hot, dry gardens. Does well
on slopes. Can be hedged or pruned to shape. Would be an excellent addition to a mixed, waterwise hedgerow. Fruits can be used to make cider-like drink or jellies and sauces. Cultivar ‘Sunset’.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native evergreen shrubs like Myoporum, Cotoneaster.
Excellent bird habitat plant: provides cover, nest-sites and berries/seeds for food.
Hummingbirds love the nectar. Many animals, including coyote & in past Grizzly Bear, eat the fruit.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Best in well-drained sandy or rocky soils, but can be grown in clays; local pH’s
Occasional summer water after established (Zone 1-2 to 2) keeps it looking nice.
Organic mulch recommended.
Management:
Prune as needed or to shape.
Older plants may be pruned severely to rejuvenate.
Propagation: from seed: hard seed coat; scarify + heat
by cuttings: ??
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 10, 13, 14, 20, 24
3/1/10
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