I haven't yet fully grasped the difference between the Arctostaphylos groundcovers. There are 4 (if not more) in wide use, and I know they differ in coloring as well as size. Finally, I'm gonna sort it out for myself.
From lowest to highest:
A) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Wood's Compact' (2-3" H X 3-4' W)
The lowest of the groundcovers. Unlike the others, which are roughly 1' high, 'Wood's Compact' is really low at only 2-3". This seems ridiculously low... but I'm sure that there are some instances where something this low is needed... perhaps in between pavers or playing a secondary role to statement succulents and shrubs.
B) Arctostaphylos 'Emerald Carpet' (<1' x 3-5' W)
This is definitely greener, so it is aptly named. It would go well in a drought-tolerant garden with a lusher look. This would look great in a plant palette with other lime greens, silvers, dark greens and bronzes.
C) Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Point Reyes' (1' H x 15' W)
This one has a wonderful gray-green olive color... and can go well in a large, full sun, dry, sprawling California garden, where a lot of coverage is good. This beauty can go 15' wide, so it certainly isn't for the typical residential garden. But, it would be great for commercial or public landscapes.
D) Arctostaphylos edmundsii 'Carmel Sur' (1-2' H x 6' W)
The highest of these groundcovers, this minty-green beauty can grow up to 2' high. I think this is perhaps my favorite of these groundcovers... it's higher than the rest, but still compact in width, and has a great blue-green coloring that pairs nicely with gray-green and blue-green plants.
