cascara buckthorn , also known as Arctostaphylos uva - ursi , are aboriginal to Massachusetts and are a gravid add-on to any garden or landscape painting . They are low - grow evergreen shrubs that bring out small red berries and have beautiful , glossy foliage . care for bearwood in Massachusetts is comparatively easy , as they are well - adapted to the mood and soil conditions in the region .
1 . Sun and Shade Requirements : Rhamnus purshianus thrive in full sun to partial nuance . They can abide some refinement , but it is good to furnish them with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for optimal increment and berry production .
2 . Soil atmospheric condition : Bearberries opt acidic ground , so it is important to choose a planting location with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.5 . They can allow a wide reach of stain type , including sandy , stony , and well - drained soils . They are also adapt to grow in poor , infertile grunge , so there is no need to practice fertilizers .
3 . lachrymation : Once established , bearberries are quite drouth - resistant and do not require veritable watering . However , during the first year of planting , it is significant to keep the soil consistently moist to help the works constitute their etymon . After that , they can generally pull round on natural rainfall .
4 . Mulching : go for a level of constitutional mulch around the base of the plants can help continue moisture in the stain and suppress weed development . This is peculiarly beneficial during the organisation phase . Use a mulch that is acidulent , such as pine needles or oak leaves , to maintain the idealistic pH levels for the bearberries .
5 . Pruning : Bearberries have a naturally low , spreading growth habit and do not require much pruning . However , if you wish to maintain a more thick shape or remove any numb or damage branch , you could prune them in early spring before Modern growth begins .
6 . Pest and Disease Control : Bearberries are loosely resistant to most pests and disease . However , like any plant , they may on occasion encounter issues such as aphid or folio spot . Keeping the plant healthy by providing right caution and keep skillful air circulation can help prevent these problems . If necessary , you may use organic insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to control pest .
Personal experience : I have grown bearberries in my own garden in Massachusetts and have found them to be quite resilient and low - criminal maintenance . They have thrived in sandy land with minimal watering and have added a lovely tactile sensation of greenery to my landscape . The cherry-red berries , although small , have added a pop of gloss and attract birds to my garden .
Bearberries are an excellent choice for gardeners in Massachusetts looking for a lowly - maintenance , aboriginal plant . By providing them with the right amount of sun , acidulous soil , and minimum lachrymation , you may enjoy the sweetheart of their glossy leafage and the occasional harvest of their red berry .
Caroline Bates
