Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
bearberry
A low-growing evergreen shrub, with oval mid-green leaves. In summer it produces clusters of pale pink bell-shaped flowers, followed by bright scarlet fruit in autumn.
Other common names
barren myrtlebear bilberry
see morebear's grape
box-leaved wintergreen
bralins
brawlins
burren myrtle
coralberry
creashak
crowberry
dandies
fox plum
ground holly
hog cranberry
kinnikinnick
kinnikinnik
mealberry
mountain box
mountain cranberry
rapper
red bearberry
sandberry
upland cranberry
uva-ursi
Synonyms
Arctostaphylos officinalisArbutus uva-ursi
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Arctostaphylos are mainly evergreen, prostrate or upright shrubs or small trees. They have small, simple leaves and sprays of tiny, urn-shaped flowers, followed by spherical berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile, lime-free soil in full-sun or partial shade.
Propagation
Propagate from seed soaked in boilding water for 20 seconds. Sow seed in autumn in containers and keep in a cold frame. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering shoots in autumn.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Maybe susceptible to leaf spot
Get involved
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