About
A compact, upright decidous shrub, with elliptic green leaves which turn to golden-orange in autumn. Perfect for small gardens or containers. The berries have a sweet taste and juicy texture and are good for eating fresh, baking, cooking or preserves. Bell-shaped white flowers appear in late spring, followed by pale blue berries in early to mid-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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant in a sheltered site in well-drained, moisture-retentive, acidic soil, (pH 4.5-5.5) in sun or part shade. Alternatively grow in containers or raised beds filled with peat-free, ericaceous compost For optimal pollination and yield plant three different cultivars. For further details see blueberry cultivation and How to grow your own blueberries
PruningMore mature plants benefit from regular pruning, see pruning blueberries
PropagationPropagate by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae damage especially if container grown. Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies