Bearberry seeds grow into a low-growing evergreen shrub with a trailing, mat-forming growth habit that is well suited for ground cover, rock gardens, and naturalized landscape plantings. This plant is native to cool and temperate regions and is highly adapted to cold climates and poor soils. Bearberry establishes slowly but forms dense coverage over time, making it suitable for erosion control and low-maintenance garden areas. Plants perform best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, sandy or rocky soils.
Features
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Low-growing evergreen shrub with trailing growth habit
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Suitable for ground cover, rock gardens, and naturalized plantings
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Well adapted to cold and temperate climates
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Tolerant of poor, sandy, and rocky soils
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Performs well in open, well-drained planting sites
Specifications
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Scientific name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
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Common name (US): Bearberry
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Seed type / variety: Species type
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Growth habit: Evergreen, low-growing and spreading shrub
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USDA hardiness zones: 2–6
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Planting season: Fall or early spring
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Sowing season with specific months per zone:
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Zones 2–3: Sow outdoors October–November or start indoors February–March
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Zones 4–5: Sow outdoors October–December or start indoors January–February
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Zone 6: Sow outdoors November–December or start indoors January
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Germination time and conditions: 30–90 days; cold stratification recommended
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Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil requirements: Well-drained sandy or rocky soil; acidic to neutral pH
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Watering needs: Low; water regularly during establishment, then sparingly
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Mature plant size: 6–12 inches tall with a spread of 3–6 feet
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Plant spacing: 2–4 feet between plants