Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi |
Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone Range: 3-8
Preferred Climate: Sun to shade; well draining average soil.
Harvest Date: Saturday 14 January, 2012
Seed count: 20-25
Description:
A perky little creeping evergreen perfect for groundcover landscaping to wildlife forage. Small dark leaves on flexible stems so it will take a limited amount of traffic. In Spring, small pink urn shaped flower clusters are produced in abundance and much loved by humblebees. In Autumn, bright red berries persist until taken by the birds (or bears!).
Notes:
This is one tough little plant. When the berries are ripe, its a thrill to see the local flock of wild turkeys venture from the open forest to feed on the fruits.
Cultivation:
Soak seed in water for 24 hours. With a small amount of sharp sand (or grit) rub the seed and sand between your hands for half a minute (simulates grit in bird gut) to scarify tough seed coat. Resoak seed for 24 hours. Wake the embryo by warm stratifying the seed for 120 days followed by cold stratification for 90 days. Will then germinate under Spring like conditions of 30 C daytime and 20 C night time temps. Sow thinly at 2-3 mm deep in sand/humus mix. Prick out at 4-5 true leaf stage to individual pots to grow out.
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