About

An attractive, fast growing, mid-late season variety with dark green foliage that turns a rich, fiery, orange-red in autumn. Clusters of white flowers in late spring are followed by high yields of light-medium blue fruits with a mild to sweet flavour in summer till the first frost.

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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, 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 blueberry pruning
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 with netting from birds
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies