Alpine bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpinus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Alpine bearberry on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Ericaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Alpine bearberry
Arctostaphylos alpinus, also known as Alpine Bearberry, is a small, prostrate, creeping shrub native to arctic and alpine regions. It features evergreen, glossy, dark green leaves that turn reddish in autumn, and small, edible red berries. It is an excellent choice for ground cover in rock gardens, borders, or as a pioneer plant in areas with acidic and poor soils.
Native range
Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including northern Europe, Asia, and North America.
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade and prefers acidic, well-drained, and poor soils, avoiding alkaline ones. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and it is important to avoid waterlogging. A common mistake is attempting to grow it in rich or calcareous soils, which can lead to its decline. It is a very cold-hardy plant and does not require winter protection in suitable climates.