Emerald Carpet Manzanita (Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’)

Emerald Carpet Manzanita

If you live in a Western state that is prone to drought (and which ones aren’t anymore?) then you might want to check and see if your local water district will actually pay you to get rid of your front lawn. Some places, like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, pay about $1.50 per square foot of grass replaced. It’s worth looking into!

But what do you replace it with? Here is a good place to start – Emerald Carpet Manzanita (Arctostaphylos Emerald Carpet). This low-growing, heat-loving, water-wise little shrub will make your reclaimed yard look fantastic!

The tiny dark-green leaves are evergreen, so your yard will look lush all year long. (Bear in mind that it will tolerate clay, but it prefers rich, well-draining soil. In infertile soil, it will get a yellowish cast.) Water it just enough to establish, and then grow it dry and well drained.

Even though the foliage and great branching structure are the stars of the show, it adds a little flair every year with a spring flush of snowy-white, bell-shaped flowers.

If you don’t want to replace your whole lawn, Emerald Carpet works great as a buffer between the existing lawn and other hedges. Try using it in front of a hedge of taller manzanitas for a fresh look!

It is perfect for foundation plantings and the ‘hell-strip’ between your sidewalk and street, too.

Give Emerald Carpet Manzanita a try. We know that you’ll love the look in your landscape.

  • Great as a Groundcover
  • White, Bell-Shaped Blooms
  • Evergreen
  • Drought Tolerant

Emerald Carpet Manzanita (Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’) Details

Common name Emerald Carpet Manzanita
Botanical name Arctostaphylos 'Emerald Carpet'
Hardiness zone 6-9
Growth rate Slow
Harvest time Spring
Height 8 - 14 inches
Width 4 - 6 ft.
Sunlight Full Sun, Partial Shade
Moisture Low
Soil condition Well Drained
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Flower color Pink
Leaf color Broadleaved Evergreen