Massachusetts Common Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
9 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Very long-lived
Native To
North America, Europe, Asia
Toxicity
Berries are edible but mealy and bland
The Story
Plant Bio
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, or Bearberry, is a low-growing, woody evergreen groundcover native to circumpolar regions. It features small, glossy green leaves on trailing stems and is exceptionally tolerant of sandy, acidic, and infertile soils. 'Massachusetts' is a superior selection known for its dense, uniform growth habit, excellent disease resistance, and profuse flowering and fruiting. Its leaves turn an attractive reddish-bronze in winter, providing year-round interest.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with sandy, acidic, sharply-drained soil.
- Dig a hole just large enough for the root ball.
- Gently tease out the roots if they are circling the pot.
- Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
- Backfill with the native soil, do not add amendments.
- Water well after planting and mulch with pine needles to conserve moisture.
Pro Tip
This plant resents root disturbance and thrives in poor, acidic soil; do not amend with compost or fertilizer.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide sandy, acidic soil with excellent drainage.
- Plant in full sun for the best growth and fruiting.
- Water regularly during the first year to establish its root system.
- Be patient, as it can be slow to establish and spread.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or alkaline soil.
- Avoid fertilizing or enriching the soil with compost.
- Do not transplant established plants.
- Avoid planting in hot, humid climates where it struggles (south of Zone 6).
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Massachusetts Common Bearberry questions
What zones can Massachusetts Common Bearberry grow in?
Massachusetts Common Bearberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–6. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Massachusetts Common Bearberry deer resistant?
Yes — Massachusetts Common Bearberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Massachusetts Common Bearberry bloom?
Massachusetts Common 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 Massachusetts Common Bearberry need full sun?
Massachusetts Common Bearberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Massachusetts Common Bearberry drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Massachusetts Common 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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