About
A deciduous shrub reaching 60cm high. The flowers are small white bells developing into edible blue berries in late summer. It has small dark green leaves which turn red in autumn before falling.
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, City and courtyard gardens, 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 . Pot grown plants benefit from winter protection. For optimal pollination and yield plant three different cultivars. See blueberry cultivation for further advice
PruningMore mature plants benefit from regular pruning, see pruning blueberries
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, especially if container grown
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies