Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Wood's Red') is an extremely hardy, creeping evergreen shrub that hugs the ground at just 3-6 inches tall while spreading gradually to 3-4 feet wide, making it one of the toughest ground covers for cold climates. This circumpolar native thrives in zones 2-7 and tolerates harsh conditions that defeat most other plants, including drought, poor soil, and exposed sites. Its showy pink flowers bloom in spring, followed by bright red berries that persist through winter and attract birds. Once established, it asks very little from the gardener, needing only moderate water and low maintenance to thrive year after year.
Partial Sun
Moderate
2-7
6in H x 48in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Bearberry grows where almost nothing else will, handling extreme cold, drought, and infertile soils without complaint once its roots settle in. The combination of delicate spring flowers and ornamental red fruit that lasts into winter gives this creeping shrub genuine seasonal interest despite its diminutive stature. Its evergreen foliage and spreading habit make it invaluable for erosion control on slopes and banks, while its low profile and minimal needs suit gardeners who prefer to observe nature rather than constantly tend it.
Bearberry excels as a ground cover for difficult sites where conventional landscaping fails, particularly on slopes, rocky terrain, and exposed banks prone to erosion. Its creeping, spreading growth habit and ability to root at the nodes make it valuable for naturalized plantings in woodland edges and native plant gardens. The showy berries attract birds, adding wildlife value to the landscape.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
No care instructions available yet for this variety.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.