Ground Cover Kinnikinnick Plant: A Versatile Addition to Your Landscape

You’re looking to add an attractive touch of green to your landscape, but you want something unique, something that will stand out. Look no further than ground cover kinnikinnick plant, aka bearberry! 

ground cover kinnikinnick plant

This cold-hardy, low-growing evergreen shrub is a true gem in any garden. 

With its glossy green leaves, fragrant bell-shaped flowers, and vibrant red berries, ground cover kinnikinnick plant is sure to catch everyone’s eye.

The Ground Cover Kinnikinnick Plant

Bearberry, scientifically known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, can be found in various regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. 

Ground cover kinnikinnick plant thrives in temperate higher north latitudes and can be found at elevations between 500 and 11,000 feet.

With its adaptability and resilience, bearberry has truly conquered diverse landscapes.

ground cover kinnikinnick plant

Cultivating

Bearberry thrives in poor, sandy, and infertile soils. It prefers excessively drained conditions and acidic soils with a pH of 4.5-5.5. 

This low-maintenance shrub is drought-tolerant and can handle full sun to part shade, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings. 

When transplanting, take care to handle seedlings or cuttings carefully in containers, as bare root planting is generally unsuccessful.

Propagation is best achieved through pre-rooted stem cuttings, rooted cuttings, or layering. 

ground cover kinnikinnick plant

Softwood cuttings harvested in late summer using current season’s growth are ideal, while dormant season harvests of rooted stem cuttings also yield good results. 

Scarified and stratified seeds can be sown in early summer for improved germination the following spring.

However, it is recommended to purchase bearberry plants from a reputable nursery for the best results.

Maintenance and Care

Once established, bearberry requires minimal maintenance. It does not require pruning and rarely faces issues with pests or diseases. 

  • To keep the stand healthy, it is advisable to remove weed competition. 
  • As for fertilization, a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring, although it is not a necessity.
ground cover kinnikinnick plant

A Landscape Wonder

The ground cover kinnikinnick plant offers a myriad of landscape possibilities. Its evergreen nature makes it an excellent choice for groundcover, cascading over walls, or adding interest to rock gardens. 

It also serves as a fantastic soil stabilizer. With good salt tolerance and a natural resistance to drought, bearberry is a versatile plant that can thrive in various conditions.

The Beauty

ground cover kinnikinnick plant

The beauty of ground cover kinnikinnick plant lies not only in its glossy green leaves but also in its delicate pinkish-white flowers that bloom in late spring. 

These flowers give way to bright red to pink fleshy berries, which are not only visually appealing but also edible, attracting songbirds and game animals. 

Its low-growing form creates a stunning mat on the ground, spreading with runners that come from a single root.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a unique and captivating addition to your landscape, look no further than bearberry. 

With its evergreen foliage, delicate flowers, and vibrant berries, it will provide year-round interest and natural beauty. 

Whether it’s as a groundcover, in a rock garden, or for soil stabilization, bearberry is sure to impress. 

Embrace the versatility and charm of this incredible shrub and watch your landscape come to life.