About
A compact, evergreen shrub with small, leathery, glossy, darkgreen leaves on red stems. One-sided sprays of deep brick red, urn-shaped flowers appear in late spring, followed by edible, purple berries in autumn.
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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Fruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toJava
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, acidic compost in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in full sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer or layer in mid-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