ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA URSI

Description

In spring, this delightful, woody, low ground-cover shrub has sprays of attractive, pink-tipped white flowers which eventually produce red berries. Growing up to 30 cm high, it has small, evergreen, shiny, thick leaves which remain for up to 3 years before falling, and are alternately arranged on the stems which turn red if the plant is in full sun. It is circumpolar, being widespread in northern latitudes, but is usually confined to high altitudes further south.

Sowing Advice

These seeds have already been thoroughly cleaned and cold-stored for several months. They should be sown into well-drained, sandy compost at any time of the year, and covered to their own depth with sand or grit. No artificial heat is needed; the seed tray is best left in a cool spot outside and kept moist. Seeds germinate very slowly indeed in the spring after a chilling in the cold compost, regardless of when they are sown. Some seeds may take more than a year to germinate.

Key Facts