Arctous alpina — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Arctous alpina

Arctous Alpina

Updated · 260 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Arctous alpina (syn. Arctostaphylos alpina), the alpine bearberry, mountain bearberry or black bearberry, is a dwarf shrub in the heather family Ericaceae. The basionym of this species is Arbutus alpina L..

A note from PlantMom

Alpine ptarmigan berry has strong resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Alpine ptarmigan berry is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand much prior care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Arctous Alpina.

Light

The Alpine ptarmigan berry is native to open spaces like sunlit fields and the perimeters of forests that receive abundant light. It flourishes in direct sunlight but can also survive in partially sunlit areas, demonstrating adaptability to different light scenarios.

Fertilizer

For the Alpine ptarmigan berry plant to produce the best fruit, it needs plenty of nutrients. Apply fertilizer in the initial stages of spring to encourage new growth and the formation of blooms. Consistent fertilization aids in maintaining the plant's health, enhances the quality of the fruit, and averts problems caused by nutrient insufficiency, such as leaves turning yellow and low fruit yield.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Vine, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Arctous
Family
Ericaceae
Hardiness Zone
2-6
Mature Height
5 cm to 10 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Sweden, Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Russia, China, Norway, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, Mongolia, Finland, Albania, United Kingdom, France
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Alpine bearberry en Mountain bearberry en Ptarmigan berry en Káránâsmyerji en Alpine manzanita en Black bearberry en Torpedo berry
PLATES
Arctous alpina leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Arctous alpina leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Arctous alpina fruit
PLATE 03 · fruit
Arctous alpina fruit
PLATE 04 · fruit