Plants

One of the very best garden manzanitas. A chance hybrid believed to have resulted from a cross of A. manzanita ‘Dr. Hurd’ with A. densiflora ‘Sentinel,’ found in a garden near Pismo Beach, California.  It is named in memory of naturalist Austin Griffiths. This manzanita is striking as a specimen or informal hedge.  Large growing shrub with sage green foliage, copious, large clusters of pink flowers in winter, and the tell tale famous mahogany peeling bark. To 9′ x 7′ wide in 6 years, fast growing and well adapted to most well drained sites, including heavy clay soils on slopes.

Grows best in dry, sunny locations with excellent drainage.  Exceptionally drought tolerant, though cannot tolerate standing water.