Plant library
Ground cover
Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Zones 2–7
A native evergreen ground cover with glossy leaves and red berries that carpets tough, sandy or sloped ground beautifully.
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
low
Spacing
24-36 in apart; spreads 3-6 ft over time
Soil
Sandy, infertile, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0)
Difficulty
moderate
Zones
2–7
When to plant
See care notes for timing in your zone.
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant nursery starts in spring in well-drained acid soil. Very drought tolerant once established; no fertilizer needed. Do not disturb the shallow roots with digging.
Good companions
Creeping juniper, sedum, conifers, native woodland plants
Harvest
Berries ripen late summer into fall; they are mealy raw but excellent in cooked preserves.
Want a plan for growing Bearberry?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
