About
A prostrate, mat-forming, evergreen shrub that is well suited to boggy garden conditions, with dark green foliage that turns bronze in winter and bell-shaped, pink flowers appearing in summer followed by edible red fruits 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 moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Fruit Edible
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toNorth America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun to partial shade in moist but well drained acidic soil. Suited to boggy conditions, keep moist all year. See blueberry cultivation
PruningPrune after harvesting to stimulate the production of vigorous uprights that will bear more fruit. Remove deadwood. See pruning blueberries
PropagationPropagate by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies