About
A deciduous shrub reaching 60cm high. It has small green leaves which turn red in autumn before falling. The flowers are small white bells developing into edible blue berries in late summer.
About the genus
Vaccinium can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple leaves and small, bell- or urn-shaped flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEastern N America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained acidic soil. Choose a sheltered site in full sun or light shade in the north, light shade in the south. For more advice see blueberry cultivation
PruningRemove old, spindly stems as necessary
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies