Arctostaphylos Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 21st Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Arctostaphylos plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Bearberry, Bear's Grape, Hog Cranberry, and Manzanita: Cultivation & Garden Use

The common names for members of the Hardy perennial Arctostaphylos family include Bearberry, Bear's grape, Manzanita, Sandberry, Mountain box, Mealberry, Kinnikkinick, Hog cranberry.

They typically flower from late summer to early autumn.

Description of Bearberry, Manzanita, Sandberry and other Arctostaphylos genera members

Arctostaphylos are prostrate shrubs that have a dark evergreen foliage, they typically have many flowers of pink or white and they bear red fruits.

Manzanita Photograph by Tom Hilton.

They are ideal for use as ground cover in small bare places.

Arctostaphylos edmundsii by Brewbooks.

How to Grow Arctostaphylos

It is best to sow Arctostaphylos outdoors in the Autumn on the soil surface. They should then be thinned to a spacing of one to two feet (30 to 60 cm). Arctostaphylos can grow in either partly shaded conditions or in full sunlight.

The soil should be sandy and acidic with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. If starting of plants indoors Arctostaphylos typically require between two and three months to germinate, and seeds should be imbibed by soaking overnight, then being kept in a fridge, in the dark for two months in moist sand.

Caring for Arctostaphylos

Arctostaphylos plants such as Bearberry and Manzanita are quite difficult plants to look after and care for, they should only be watered at times of extreme drought and never fed.

They should be regularly sheared in order to maintain a neat appearance, and mulched with pine needles. Once planted they should not be disturbed.

Common Questions

How many members does the Arctostaphylos genus have?

The Arctostaphylos genus, also known as manzanita, consists of about 60 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees.

Do members of Arctostaphylos make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, some Arctostaphylos species, particularly Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, also known as bearberry, are valued in gardens for their attractive bark, evergreen leaves, and tolerance of drought and poor soils.

Which Arctostaphylos species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry) and Arctostaphylos manzanita are commonly grown. These species are appreciated for their ornamental bark, flowers, and berries.

Are members of the Arctostaphylos plant genus fragrant?

Arctostaphylos plants are not typically known for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Arctostaphylos?

Arctostaphylos prefer sunny locations with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in poor, rocky soils.

Is Arctostaphylos invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Arctostaphylos is not thought to be invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Arctostaphylos plants from my garden?

If you need to remove Arctostaphylos plants, you can prune them back heavily or dig them up, ensuring to remove the entire root system.

Summary

The Arctostaphylos genus, part of the Ericaceae family, includes about 60 species of evergreen shrubs commonly known as Manzanita. Native to western North America, these plants are recognized for their beautiful, twisted branches, small bell-shaped flowers, and red or orange berries.

Arctostaphylos plants are extremely drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are often used in native plant gardens, xeriscaping, and erosion control. Some species, such as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), can make an excellent ground cover, particularly on slopes.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Arctostaphylos. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Pieris japonica, Arbutus unedo, and Gaultheria plants.