Kinnikinnick, Vancouver Jade Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Vancouver Jade' Height: 8 inches Spread: 8 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 3b Other Names: Bearberry Description: A high quality groundcover for poor sandy or acidic soils, forms a thick carpet of green with interesting leaves which turn red in fall; very dainty pinkish flowers in spring and bright red berries in summer through fall; very specific growing conditions Ornamental Features Kinnikinnick, Vancouver Jade features dainty nodding pink bell-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches in mid spring. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from late summer to late fall. It has forest green evergreen foliage. The small glossy round leaves turn an outstanding red in the fall, which persists throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Kinnikinnick, Vancouver Jade is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics. Kinnikinnick, Vancouver Jade is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Kinnikinnick, Vancouver Jade will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for sandy, acidic soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. Special Attributes Evergreens need to be watered during the winter. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
