About
Gaylussacia brachycera, the box huckleberry, is an unusual, low-growing, evergreen shrub from eastern North America with box-like, leathery, finely toothed leaves and small, pink, urn-shaped flowers followed by blue-black, edible berries. A slow-spreading, ornamental ground-cover for a moist, acidic, partly shaded position.
About the genus
Gaylussacia, the huckleberries, are deciduous or evergreen shrubs from the Americas with gland-dotted leaves and small, urn-shaped flowers followed by edible, berry-like fruits. Grown in moist, acidic, woodland conditions for their ornamental and fruiting qualities.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Flowers close when shaded. Will survive winter outdoors in mild areas. Water in prolonged dry spells
PruningNo pruning required. Deadhead regularly
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings taken from the base of shoots in late summer and kept in frost-free conditions over winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free except for aphids when overwintered indoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to glasshouse grey moulds when overwintered indoors