~Bunchberry~

  Attractive native groundcover in the dogwood family. White flowers  in late spring can acquire red tips. Red berries in late summer in "bunches".    Can be found the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington.  Grows wild in large, blooming, carpet like mats alongside roads in Alaska.  Good for shady areas and woodland settings.

Bloom:  Single white flowers in May and June, often tipped in red.  Has red berries in "bunches" in summer.

Habit:  4-6" tall by 12" wide in 1-2years with reasonable care.  Spreads by underground rhizomes.  Will spread indefinitely but is not invasive.     

Exposure:  Full to part shade.  Dappled sunlight is better than full exposure to direct sun.  Partial morning sun is OK afternoon sun is not.

Site:  Needs a humus rich, acidic, well drained soil.

Spreading rate:  Medium.  Spreads by underground runners.

Uses:  Low groundcover in and around trees and as an edging along woodland pathways.  Grown in shade rock garden walls the plant will spread in the dirt filled cracks.

Fertilizing:  Feed in early spring and again lightly in early fall.  Use a balanced fertilizer, preferably one containing a slow release nitrogen source.  Because of it's preference for acidity, using a plant food suitable for Rhododendrons or Azaleas would be fine.  Always follow the manufacturer's label recommendations when making any applications of fertilizer.  Be sure to rinse the fertilizer off the foliage.

Watering:  Water as needed to keep soil moist but not wet.

Pruning:  Prune all the foliage to the ground level, leaving the buds intact, during winter.  Leaves can get a "white rust" like growth the following spring if not removed.  Dispose of old leaves away from planting area.

Foot traffic:  Not recommended for regular foot traffic areas.  It will take an occasional walk through.

Hardiness:  -60° to -50° F.