Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts'

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts': Groundcover with Northern Tenacity

A steadfast evergreen for difficult spaces, 'Massachusetts' is a refined selection of bearberry prized for its cold hardiness and dense, trailing form. Lustrous, leathery green leaves hug the ground year-round, forming a carpet that resists erosion and suppresses weeds. Delicate pinkish-white, urn-shaped flowers appear in spring, giving way to red berries in fall that linger into winter. This native groundcover is both beautiful and durable—ideal for sunny slopes, rock gardens, and naturalized plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
• Spread: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)
• Flower Colour: Pinkish-white
• Flowering Period: Spring
• Foliage: Evergreen, glossy green
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Sandy, acidic, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Especially effective on banks, slopes, and exposed sites where turf struggles. Its low, spreading habit stabilizes soil and fills in around rocks or stepping stones. A valuable species for naturalized landscapes and restoration projects, 'Massachusetts' also provides seasonal wildlife interest—nectar for pollinators in spring, and berries for birds in fall. Tolerant of drought, salt, and wind once established, it’s well-suited to northern and coastal climates.

Care Instructions: Requires well-drained, acidic soil with low fertility; avoid heavy clay or overly rich conditions. Water deeply but infrequently once established. Prune lightly in early spring to encourage dense growth or to shape. Mulch with pine needles or sand to mimic native soil conditions and suppress weeds without holding excessive moisture.

History: 'Massachusetts' is a selected form of the North American native Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, chosen for its superior cold hardiness and consistent evergreen foliage. Indigenous to sandy, upland areas across Canada and the northern U.S., it has long been valued for both ecological function and ornamental charm.

Final Thoughts: Rugged yet refined, 'Massachusetts' offers year-round beauty with minimal care. It’s a go-to solution for challenging sites where other plants fail, delivering native integrity and landscape polish in equal measure.