Chieftain Bearberry Manzanita

Chieftain is the broadest and most vigorous of the Colorado manzanita introductions, forming an evergreen groundcover with distinctive exfoliating bark. Reddish new leaves mature to dark green, while white flowers tinged with pink and red berries add seasonal interest. ## Form and seasonal interest Selected from Colorado’s Uncompahgre Plateau, Chieftain develops a spreading canopy about 1–2 feet high and commonly 5–8 feet wide. [Plant Select](https://plantselect.org/plant/arctostaphylos-x-coloradensis-chieftain/) gives a narrower 5–6-foot width, while [Manzanitas Plus](https://manzanitasplus.com/chieftain) reports up to 8 feet; plan for the broader spread. Smooth cinnamon-red to purplish bark becomes more conspicuous as stems mature. Flower timing varies among descriptions from early spring to late spring, depending on climate. ## Siting and soil Give this slow-establishing shrub room on a slope, over a retaining wall, or as an expansive evergreen layer. Full sun to part shade is suitable, with late-afternoon shade helpful in warmer exposures, as described by [Plant Select](https://plantselect.org/plant/arctostaphylos-x-coloradensis-chieftain/). Good drainage is essential: use sandy or loamy soil and avoid persistently wet ground. It can manage with less water once established, but irrigate regularly while young. ## Maintenance Allow natural growth and avoid routine shearing. Remove only damaged or poorly placed branches, preferably in spring. Keep the root zone free of competing weeds during establishment.