The Bearberry is native to parts of North America, Europe, & Asia, but sadly is now listed as endangered in some parts of the US. Bearberry is the main component in many traditional North American Native smoking mixes.
The plants will grow in sandy or poor soil, so have become popular for erosion control, as well as with home gardeners as an ornamental. This small shrub has thick shiny evergreen leaves and makes an excellent deer-resistant ground cover or rock garden plant.
Its red stems turn to green & brown, & begin to peel in old age. The Bearberry has fragrant spring flowers that attract HUMMINGBIRDS, bees, & butterflies. Berries appear in grape-like clusters from the fall into winter. They are eaten by birds & other wildlife or can be used as holiday decor.
Name: Bearberry Other Common Names: Kinnikinnick / Pinemat Manzanita Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi Color: Pink & White Flowers / Red Berries Plant Seeds: Warm & Cold Stratify Bloom Time: May - June Hardiness Zone: 2 - 7 Plant Height: 6 - 12" Plant Spacing: 3 - 6" Light Requirements: Sun - Part Shade Soil and Water Preferences: Average
I do not have an indoor garden so I am waiting until spring to plant. I will try planting closer to Feb or March in small pods watering with spray bottle, and slowly introduce the plants to outdoor conditions.