Bearberry is a low evergreen shrub that creeps into a dense mat, with red fruits and bronze-tinted winter foliage.
- Height
- 15–31 cm / 0.5–1 ft
- Spread
- 91–183 cm / 3–6 ft
- Light
- Shade / Full sun / Partial shade
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Flowering
- Spring
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Low
- USDA zones
- 3a–7b
Planting
Choose light-textured, freely draining soil in sun or partial shade. Set it in its permanent position from the start, as established plants do not transplant readily.
Care
Keep the surrounding soil loose and avoid compacting it. Fertiliser is generally unnecessary; this slowly spreading ground cover is adapted to relatively dry conditions.
Before planting: Wet soil encourages root disease, and hot, humid summers can make this a poor choice.
Planting Bearberry?
Find a landscaper nearby to help with planting and establishment.
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Sources & photo credit
Plant reference: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Content checked . Flowering seasons vary with local climate; USDA zones describe winter cold tolerance.
- Bearberry: Walter Siegmund · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- Common heather: John Haslam · CC BY 2.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- Bergenia: Syrio · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- Mountain laurel: Randy Harter · CC BY 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.