About
An erect, branching, deciduous shrub with dark green foliage that turns a brilliant red in autumn, pink-red flowers appear in spring and are followed by spherical, edible, scarlet red fruits in 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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
CultivationPlant in a sheltered site in well-drained, moisture-retentive, acidic soil, (pH 4.5-5.5) in sun or part shade. For further details see blueberry cultivation
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