Sentinel Manzanita | Pink Urn Shaped Flowers Evergreen

Sentinel Manzanita

5 Gallon

$59.90

1/4

Sentinel Manzanita

Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Sentinel'

A fast-growing, wildlife-attracting manzanita with striking red bark and profuse pink winter blooms.

$59.90

24-hour Money-back Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Sentinel Manzanita is a striking, upright evergreen shrub selected for its exceptional form and profuse winter blooms. A garden-worthy cultivar of the rare Vine Hill Manzanita, it features a stout trunk with smooth, peeling, reddish-brown bark and a rounded crown of gray-green foliage . In late winter and early spring, it produces an abundance of small, pale pink to rose-pink, urn-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds and beneficial insects . This California native is prized for its fast growth, adaptability to a range of soil types (including clay and sand), and exceptional drought tolerance once established .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Small, rounded, gray-green, oval leaves; profuse clusters of pale pink, urn-shaped flowers bloom in late winter to early spring, attracting hummingbirds .
Fruit: Small, berry-like drupes ("little apples") that are edible raw or cooked and are a favorite food for birds .
Mature Height: 6-10 ft (can be pruned to maintain as a smaller hedge or larger tree-form) .
Mature Spread: 5-8 ft .
Growth Rate: Fast (can reach full size in 2 years) .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-10 ; Sunset 7-9, 14-21 .
Light Requirement: Full sun (coast) to light shade (inland) .
Core Benefits: Stunning red bark, profuse winter blooms, fast-growing, drought and clay tolerant, wildlife magnet (hummingbirds, bees, birds).
Best Uses: Specimen plant, foundation plantings, low hedges, slopes, wildlife gardens, containers.

Q: How fast does Sentinel Manzanita grow?
A: It is considered one of the faster-growing manzanitas. It can reach its full size of 6-10 feet in just a couple of years under good conditions .

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions?
A: It thrives in full sun along the coast and tolerates light shade inland. It is highly adaptable to various well-drained soils, including clay, sand, and loam . Once established, it is very drought tolerant and requires little to no supplemental summer water.

Q: Is it tolerant of clay soil?
A: Yes, surprisingly so for a manzanita. It is known as one of the best manzanitas for tolerating heavy, clay soils, as well as beach sand . However, good drainage is still beneficial for optimal health.

Q: Can it be used as a hedge?
A: Absolutely. Its upright growth, dense foliage, and tolerance for pruning make it an excellent choice for a low, informal hedge or screen .

Q: Are the berries really edible?
A: Yes, they are edible. The small fruits, known as manzanita berries, can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a dry, mealy texture and a tart, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of apples (the name "manzanita" means "little apple"). They are also a traditional food source used to make a refreshing cider .

Q: How cold hardy is it?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It has survived temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C) .