Overview
Gaylussacia frondosa is a plant with a shrub, upright, multi-stemmed, colony-forming habit in the genus Gaylussacia, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous, alternate, oval, resin-dotted foliage. Gaylussacia frondosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include understory planting and low-growing hedge.
About
Gaylussacia frondosa, commonly known as blue tangle or dangleberry, is a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family. It grows upright with multiple stems and forms colonies, featuring oval, resin-dotted leaves arranged alternately. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade, favouring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It prefers fertile, well-drained, acidic soils such as loam or sand, with moisture levels ranging from dry to moist. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for understory planting or as a low-growing hedge, offering interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gaylussacia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Dry, Medium, Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gaylussacia frondosa size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, Upright, Multi-stemmed, Colony-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Alternate, Oval, Resin-dotted
- Suggested uses
- Understory planting, Low-growing hedge
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gaylussacia frondosa
- Propagation
- Seed, Stratified
- Pest resistance
- Honey fungus
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gaylussacia frondosa?
Gaylussacia frondosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gaylussacia frondosa need?
Gaylussacia frondosa grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium to moist.
Is Gaylussacia frondosa hardy in the UK?
Gaylussacia frondosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gaylussacia frondosa?
Seed, Stratified.
