Arctstaphylos edmunsii ?Bert Johnson? is a low growing manzanita that forms a nearly perfect mat  standing less than 1 foot high but spreading 6 feet.  This manzanita makes an excellent ground cover and is equally attractive spilling over walls or boulders.  Bert Johnson?s cascading habit allows it to thrive on hillsides; its low branches root as they spread  helping to keep the soil in place and erosion under control. This manzanita is also suitable for container planting. Bert Johnson manzanita is also known by the name Bronze Mat manzanita  owing to the fact that the new growth on this plant is tinged a delicate bronze color.  The densely clustered leaves are small on this manzanita  and a dark gray-green color  giving the plant a sophisticated appearance reminiscent of boxwood.  In late winter and spring  A. Bert Johnson is covered in pink-tinged white flowers  and is beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds.  A. Bert Johnson would like full sun in coastal conditions  but might benefit from a little afternoon shade in very hot inland areas.  This plant prefers well-drained soil  enjoying occasional summer watering to look its best but ultimately remaining staunchly drought tolerant.  A great choice for a native groundcover. A. Bert Johnson originates from the Tilden Botanic Garden  and is a special selection from A. edmunsii manzanitas growing in the county of Monterey  California.