Del Mar or Costa Baja Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia) is a rare native shrub that grows in Southern California, primarily in the South Coast region. Depending on the time of year, leaves can be pinkish, slivery, blue green or dark green. It tends to grow in rocky outcrops, slopes and ridges, at elevations from 0-700 feet. It can grow to 8 feet, but is usually under 4 feet with a loose mounding form.
Del Mar Manzanita is beautiful, relatively easy to grow and among the fastest growing of the manzanitas. It seems to do best if planted in the spring, when it can grow quickly and establish itself before the dry summer months. It handles weekly water for the first year after planting, after which it’s best to naturalize. Plant on slopes or well draining flats. It will look green and vibrant year round if it can stretch its roots out to a nearby damper spot or irrigated area. It likes sun or part shade.