Vaccinium (blueberry) — Bushy

Overview

Vaccinium is a bushy fruit edible in the genus Vaccinium, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vaccinium grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and edible fruit.

About

Vaccinium, commonly known as blueberry, is a bushy deciduous shrub within the Ericaceae family. It thrives in moist but well-drained acidic soils such as loam or sand, ideally in full sun or partial shade with a sheltered aspect. This hardy plant, suitable for UK gardens, produces small bell-shaped flowers that develop into edible berries. It is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, wildlife areas, flower borders, and beds, offering interest through the winter season. Propagation is typically by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Vaccinium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Vaccinium size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Fruit Edible, Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Edible fruit

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Vaccinium

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, especially if container grown
Disease resistance: Honey fungus (rarely), Powdery mildews, Root rot, Chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency