Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
9 inches
Width
54 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Very long-lived
Native To
North America, Europe, Asia
Toxicity
Berries are edible but not palatable
The Story
Plant Bio
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a low-growing, woody evergreen groundcover with small, glossy, leathery leaves that form dense, spreading mats. It is an incredibly tough plant, native to circumpolar regions around the world. This species offers outstanding four-season interest: delicate, urn-shaped pinkish-white flowers in spring, bright red berries in fall that persist into winter, and evergreen foliage that often takes on a handsome reddish-bronze winter hue.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with sandy, acidic, well-drained soil
- Dig a wide, shallow hole for the spreading roots
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot, disturbing roots as little as possible
- Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container
- Backfill with the native soil
- Water regularly for the first year to establish, then it is drought tolerant
Pro Tip
It resents transplanting, so site it carefully in its permanent home. Acidic soil is non-negotiable for success.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide acidic, sharply drained soil
- Plant in full sun for best berry production
- Be patient; it is slow to establish and spread
- Use as a lawn substitute in difficult, dry, sandy areas
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or alkaline soils
- Avoid fertilizing; it thrives in lean conditions
- Do not attempt to transplant established patches
- Avoid planting in hot, humid climates where it struggles
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bearberry questions
What zones can Bearberry grow in?
Bearberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bearberry deer resistant?
Yes — Bearberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bearberry bloom?
Bearberry typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bearberry need full sun?
Bearberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Bearberry drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bearberry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
