High Country Gardens
Mock Bearberry Manzanita
Best low-maintenance groundcover for waterwise gardeners in cold, hilly climates.
Discover the Mock Bearberry Manzanita, a resilient evergreen groundcover native to Colorado's Uncompahgre Plateau. This naturally occurring hybrid offers year-round visual appeal with its dense, matte green foliage. Delicate pink flowers bloom in early spring, followed by red berries that attract birds in the fall. Exceptionally cold hardy and drought tolerant once established, it's perfect for xeriscaping and slopes. This slow-growing shrub thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a mix of sun and shade, requiring low maintenance for a beautiful, natural landscape.
$24.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts seeking minimal water usage
- Gardeners wanting year-round architectural interest
- Low-maintenance gardeners looking for natural weed control
Who should skip it
- Beginner gardeners struggling with delicate plant establishment
- Gardeners working with heavy clay or wet soil
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate groundcover results
Performance breakdown
Xeriscaping Utility
Exceptional drought tolerance makes this a premier choice for waterwise landscapes.
Hardiness Resilience
Robust performance across zones 4-8 ensures survival in harsh climates.
Maintenance Ease
Low-growth habit minimizes the need for frequent pruning or upkeep.
Wildlife Attraction
Reliably draws pollinators and birds throughout the spring and fall seasons.
Visual Longevity
Evergreen foliage provides consistent color when other garden plants go dormant.
Deer Resistance
Reliable protection against browsing makes it ideal for rural garden settings.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Low
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Spring
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
10-24 inches tall
Mature Spread
3-5 feet wide
Pest Resistant
No
Features
- Evergreen foliage for year-round interest
- Cold hardy and drought tolerant
- Dense, low-growing habit
- Attracts pollinators and birds
- Low maintenance requirements
- Native Colorado hybrid
- Waterwise plant
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Mock Bearberry Manzanita for its exceptional hardiness and reliable performance, even in difficult climates. Reviewers frequently note the high quality of the plant material received, emphasizing healthy root systems and vigorous growth immediately after planting. The consensus highlights its value as a low maintenance, drought tolerant groundcover that establishes quickly, making it a highly recommended choice for xeriscaping and challenging garden spots.
Know before you buy
Because this shrub spreads 3 to 5 feet wide, you should space them at least 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and mature growth.
Yes, Mock Bearberry Manzanita is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where browsing wildlife is a common issue.
Once established, this plant is exceptionally drought tolerant and requires very little supplemental water. During the first growing season, however, you should provide regular water to help the root system develop.
This variety is hardy in zones 4 through 8, meaning it is well-adapted to cold climates and can withstand freezing temperatures effectively.
Yes, it is adaptable to clay soil, provided the site is well-draining. If your soil is heavy and tends to hold standing water, consider amending it or planting on a slope to ensure the roots don't stay soggy.
This is a slow-growing shrub, which is ideal if you are looking for a low-maintenance groundcover that won't quickly outgrow its designated space or require frequent pruning.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$25