The leaves of this low-growing native groundcover resemble those of the flowering dogwood tree.
A North American native,bunchberryis a charming shrubby groundcover with multi-season interest.
In spring, flowers, surrounded by showy white bracts, erupt over glossy green foliage.
Its rich green leaves are similar to theflowering dogwood treebut smaller.
The display doesnt stop until autumn when bunchberrys lustrous leaves turn pleasing shades of red to purple.
It does not withstand heavy foot traffic.
How and When to Plant Bunchberry
Bunchberry can be planted in spring or fall.
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the root ball and about the same depth.
Gently tamp down the soil and water well.
Keep the plant well-watered.
Space plants 12 inches apart.
Light
Grow bunchberry in a spot with full shade, dappled shade, or afternoon shade.
The soil should be rich in organic matter.
It benefits greatly if the soil isamended with compostor leaf litter before planting.
If the soil is not naturally moist, water as needed, especially during extended periods of dry weather.
This mulch layer prevents the soil from drying out as quickly and also reduces weeds.
Temperature and Humidity
Bunchberry is native to temperate climates.
Fertilizer
If planted in rich soil, bunchberry does not need any commercial fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not required.
In the spring, removing the dead foliage to make room for new growth is optional.
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix amended with compost.
Unlike bunchberry in the landscape, potted plants need frequent watering to keep the soil moist.
Repotting becomes necessary when roots fill the container or grow out of the drainage holes.
Repot the plant to a larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
The plant is especially vulnerable when under stress, such as during periods of drought.
Potential but usually not serious pests are leaf miners and scale insects.
Identify strong, healthy growth that spreads away from the original plant.
Carefully dig it up and sever the rhizomes from the original plant.
Remove any dead or diseased foliage.
Plant it in a pot with rich potting soil and water regularly.
Keep it out of direct sunlight.
It is usually easier to keep an eye on the moisture level of potted plants than in the landscape.
Some have mottled foliage.
Zone 4-9
Wintergreen
This perennial evergreen is a colorful groundcover year-round.
The attractive leaves ofwintergreenare paired with white flowers in summer and bright red berries and reddish-bronze foliage in fall.
Similar to bunchberry, it hugs the ground, growing only 4 to 8 inches tall.
It shares many of the same characteristics as ableeding heartbut it is smaller.
The flowers look like upside-down pants (or “breeches”) above blue-green foliage.
Like other woodland plants, bunchberry can be difficult to establish.
The more the planting site mimics the conditions of its habitat, the better.
In ideal conditions, bunchberry can live 20 years or more.
