Red bearberry (Arctous rubra) is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to arctic and boreal regions, producing small, red berries and pink flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, sandy, acidic soils
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including freezing winter conditions. Protect from extreme heat.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Prefers lean soil.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Prune to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce flowering and fruit production.
Pruning is generally minimal for this plant.
Propagation is typically done by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid to late summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining, moist medium.
It can also be propagated by seed, but germination can be slow and requires stratification. Division of established plants in spring is another option.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Arctous rubra, as it prefers to be slightly root-bound. If repotting is required, do so in early spring before new growth emerges. Use a well-draining, acidic soil mix.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Red Bearberry (Arctous rubra)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arctous |
| Species | Arctous rubra |
Similar in genus Arctous
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
