Massachusetts Bearberry

The Massachusetts Bearberry is a low-growing evergreen shrub that spread to cover a wide area with its attractive glossy leaves on flexible stems. It stays about 6 inches tall, but covers areas 6 feet across or more. In spring it is covered in clusters of urn-shaped hanging flowers that are white and pink. By fall these are bright-red berries. The leaves are rich green, turning burgundy in fall and often red when new. Grow it as groundcover over rocky and dry areas, or in the foreground of beds. Use it in natural gardens and along the edges of woodland areas.

• Excellent evergreen ground cover for cold regions
• Attractive white and pink flowers in spring
• Clusters of red berries in fall
• Burgundy fall and winter foliage
• Hardy even in zone 2

Grow the Massachusetts Bearberry in full sun or partial shade. It is completely hardy in zone 2, and grows all through the colder zones, and in warmer zones where the summers are cool. The soil should be well-drained and poor, infertile and sandy soils are a good environment for this tough plant. Avoid damp or wet locations. Acidic soil is preferred, but not essential. This plant is resistant to diseases, it has no pests, and deer normally leave it alone.