Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘Massachusetts’ (Bearberry)

Extremely winter hardy, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘Massachusetts’ (Bearberry) is a slow-growing, creeping, evergreen shrub with trailing red stems studded with small, leathery, glossy, obovate, dark green leaves. The foliage turns red or purple in winter before becoming green again in spring. Pretty clusters of lantern-shaped, white-to-pink flowers hang gracefully from the short red stems in mid to late spring. They last several weeks and are followed by edible, smooth, and glossy berries which ripen to bright red in the fall. Slow to rot, the glistening fruits provide excellent emergency food for birds and mammals throughout winter. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘Massachusetts’ is noted for producing abundant flowers and fruits, having smaller leaves than those found on species plants, and having good disease resistance.

Bearberry makes a very attractive ground cover where few other plants would be happy. Equally lovely when draped over the edge of walls or large rocks.

• Grows up in a bushy, densely-branched shrub up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). 
• This plant is easily grown in full sun to partial shade in acidic, moderately fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Grows well in poor infertile soils. Do not use fertilizers. Perfect for dry, sandy, and rocky soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Excellent ground cover with year-round interest. Perfect for banks and slopes (erosion control), shrub borders, prairies and meadows, rock gardens, or cascading over walls.
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. 
• Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering in fall.
• Only minimal pruning is required and mostly to retain a desirable shape. Pruning should be done in early spring.
• Choose your site well because it does not like to be transplanted.
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi species is native to North America, Europe and Asia.