Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Difficult to transplant. Does best in acidic, poor, infertile, sandy soils. Should not be fertilized.
This extremely winter hardy, prostrate, slow-growing, evergreen shrub or ground cover will typically grow to 6-12" high and 3-6' wide. Over time, and in the proper environment, bearberry can spread (by stem rooting) to cover a very large area of up to 15' in diameter. Features reddish-gray, peeling bark and small, lustrous, dark green leaves (turning reddish brown in winter). Nodding racemes of white, heather-like flowers with a pink tinge appear in April-May. Flowers give rise to bright red fruits which last from August through the winter. The fruits are readily eaten by birds, but are not recommended for human consumption. Species name of uva-ursi means bear's grape in reference to the fact that bears (as well as birds and rodents) feed on the fruits of this species in the wild.
No serious insect or disease problems. Some problems with black mildew and rust have been reported. This cultivar has good resistance to leaf spot and leaf gall.
An excellent, albeit slow-growing, evergreen ground cover which provides year round interest. Can provide good erosion protection for slopes and hillsides. Good with azaleas. Green leaves and red berries are often used for Christmas decorations.
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4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
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