About
This spreading evergreen shrub with oval, dark grey-green leaves white beneath, and pale pink, cylindrical flowers in silvery-bracted racemes to 8cm in length, followed by white-bloomed black berries.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toSikkim
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in extremely acid soils that are moist but well-drained. Tolerant of shade and woodland edges. Susceptible to frost damage and delayed flowering in colder climes
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer or layer in mid-summer. Propagate by seed sown, in containers, in a cold-frame in autumn
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