Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly known as Bearberry, is a hardy, evergreen groundcover that brings year-round beauty and functionality to your landscape. This native perennial features small, glossy leaves that turn bronze-red in fall and charming pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers in spring. In late summer, Bearberry produces bright red berries that attract wildlife. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it ideal for erosion control, rock gardens, and naturalized landscapes, particularly in poor, sandy, or rocky soils.

Why Choose Bearberry?

• Evergreen Foliage: Features glossy green leaves that provide year-round interest, turning a stunning bronze-red in fall.
• Charming Flowers: Produces delicate, pinkish-white bell-shaped blooms in spring, adding a soft touch to your garden.
• Wildlife-Friendly: Bright red berries feed birds and small mammals, while flowers attract pollinators.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives in poor, well-drained soils and requires little care once established.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight Needs: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in cooler climates.
• Soil Preferences: Adapts to sandy, rocky, or acidic soils with good drainage; avoid heavy, poorly drained soils.
• Watering Requirements: Water regularly during establishment; afterward, it is drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal watering.
• Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading growth and to create a dense, uniform groundcover.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

Bearberry’s low-growing habit makes it perfect for stabilizing slopes, filling in gaps in rock gardens, or creating a lush groundcover in naturalized landscapes. Pair it with other native plants like Creeping Juniper or Little Bluestem for a cohesive, eco-friendly design. Its evergreen foliage and seasonal berries make it a versatile addition to year-round garden interest.

Ecological Benefits

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi supports local ecosystems by providing nectar for pollinators and food for birds and small mammals. Its dense growth helps prevent soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for sustainable gardening and challenging landscapes.

Enhance your garden with the timeless beauty and ecological benefits of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi – Bearberry. This versatile and resilient groundcover is a valuable addition to any outdoor space.