Overview
Vaccinium hirsutum is a bushy fruit edible in the genus Vaccinium, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vaccinium hirsutum grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and edible fruit. It is native to Assam and Bangladesh.
About
Vaccinium hirsutum is a species of flowering plant in the heath family known by the common name hairy blueberry. This species is endemic to a small area in the southern Appalachian Mountains, where it is only known from a few counties in eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, and the Carolinas.
About the genus
Vaccinium is a common and widespread genus of shrubs or dwarf shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae). The fruits of many species are eaten by humans and some are of commercial importance, including the cranberry, blueberry, bilberry (whortleberry), lingonberry (cowberry), and huckleberry. Like many other heath plants, they are restricted to acidic soils.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vaccinium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vaccinium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vaccinium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Vaccinium hirsutum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Edible fruit
- Native to
- Assam, Bangladesh
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vaccinium hirsutum
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, especially if container grown
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely), Powdery mildews, Root rot, Chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vaccinium hirsutum?
Vaccinium hirsutum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vaccinium hirsutum need?
Vaccinium hirsutum grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Vaccinium hirsutum hardy in the UK?
Vaccinium hirsutum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Vaccinium hirsutum?
Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
