Extremely hardy, Bearberry forms an attractive dense groundcover in situations where few other plants can survive. Spreading gradually by surface rhizomes to form a mat, it grows naturally near sandy beaches and dry rocky slopes. Perfect for rock gardens, Bearberry looks great trailing over a garden wall …
Extremely hardy, Bearberry – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi – forms an attractive dense groundcover in situations where few other plants can survive. Spreading gradually by surface rhizomes to form a mat, it grows naturally near sandy beaches, on dry rocky slopes, and open woodlands in sandy or rocky soils. Bearberry is actually a trailing sub-shrub and less than one foot tall. A single plant can form a bushy dense mat, 6-12 inches high and spreading 3 – 6 feet. Caution is needed in siting this plant as it can easily overwhelm other plants once it gets going (the first year is slow growth). Sweet Fern is a good companion. Plant it along with other plants that are similarly strong spreaders, or perennials that are taller than the bearberry and have a large root system. Little Bluestem may be a good grass companion.
The glossy dark green foliage of Bearberry is somewhat evergreen – turning a purplish bronze color in the winter and greening-up again in the spring. Dainty lantern-shaped white-to-pink fowers appear in mid spring, and last for several weeks. Perfect for rock gardens, it looks great trailing over a garden wall. The bright red berries that follow are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the plant itself is deer resistant. Bearberry is a host plant for several butterfly species including Hoary Elfin, Brown Elfin and Freija Fritillary.
Once established Bearberry is a highly drought tolerant plant. It requires a well-drained, acid soil with a pH between 4.0 and 6.0 – it will not grow on clay. Established plants do not respond well to being moved, so choose the site well.
Native plants can be grown outside of their native range in the appropriate growing conditions. This map shows the native range, as well as the introduced range, of this species.
Plant Shipping Rates: for plant orders up to $50 the shipping amount is $9.95. For plant orders from $50.01 and over, the shipping rate is 20% of the total plant cost.
Fall plant-shipping begins on September 9, 2024. The last day to order your plants for fall shipment is September 29.
During checkout, you will be asked to choose a Shipping Week for your plant delivery, from the dates that are available. The week that you choose will be included in your order confirmation email. When your plants ship you will receive an email that includes your tracking information.
Does bearberry choke other plants out as it spreads?
Bearberry is a trailing sub-shrub. The evergreen plant is less than one foot tall but can trail, or spread, for up to six feet. It can overwhelm other plants once it gets going (the first year is slow growth). Sweet Fern is a good companion. Possible choices to include with bearberry: 1. plants that are similarly strong spreaders, or 2. perennials that are taller than the bearberry and have a large root system. Little Bluestem may be a good grass companion for dry sandy habitats.
Is bearberry poisonous for dogs?
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is Not poisonous for dogs.
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