Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly known as Bearberry, is a resilient and slow-growing evergreen shrub that excels in winter hardiness. This creeping plant is characterized by its trailing red stems adorned with small, leathery, glossy, obovate dark green leaves, each up to 2.5cm long. The foliage undergoes a captivating transformation in winter, turning red or purple before reverting to green in spring. During mid to late spring, Bearberry produces pretty clusters of lantern-shaped, white-to-pink flowers that dangle elegantly from the short red stems, lasting several weeks. These flowers are succeeded by edible, smooth, glossy berries that mature to a striking bright red in the autumn.

Bearberry is an excellent choice for ground cover, thriving in areas where few other plants can, and is equally stunning when cascading over walls or large rocks. It forms a bushy, densely-branched shrub, reaching 15-30cm in height and spreading 90-180cm or more in width through surface rhizomes to create a dense mat. This plant loves full sun to partial shade and grows best in acidic, moderately fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils, including poor, infertile ones. It is drought tolerant once established and can withstand salt and wind, making it ideal for dry, sandy, and rocky soils. With its year-round interest, Bearberry is perfect for banks and slopes for erosion control, shrub borders, prairies and meadows, rock gardens, or as a decorative cascade over walls. Propagation can be achieved through semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering in fall, and it requires little to no pruning. However, it's important to choose the planting site carefully, as Bearberry does not respond well to transplantation. Native to the vast regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, Bearberry's low maintenance and water needs, alongside its tolerance for a range of soil types, make it a versatile and attractive option for gardeners seeking an evergreen ground cover with fruit and berries.

Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.

For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:

  • Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
  • Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
  • Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options. 

We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.

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