Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Red

 

Fruit Color

Purple

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Japanese, Ranch, Seascape, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

A Utah native. Finely textured, dark glossy foliage is evergreen; one of the few broad leafed evergreens for our region. Pinkish, bell-shaped flowers appear in early spring, followed by purplish berries in late summer that persist into winter. New wood growth is an attractive reddish purple. Grows 3-6" x 5-6' wide. This is a very good groundcover for somewhat shady areas. There are kinickinnick planted in the Greater Avenues Water Conservation Garden.

Grow in part to full shade, in average to poor, well-drained soils. Slow to established, and it is sensitive to being over-watered. Berries are valued by birds. Plant where it is protected from hot summer sun and drying winter winds. Does not need pruning other than to keep it within the space allotted. A popular western native, there are many cultivars that have been commercial developed, including 'Alaska,' Massachusetts,' 'Point Reyes,' and 'Woods Compact.' Berries are good for birds, but are not recommended for human consumption.