About
This attractive, low growing, evergreen shrub with a lax, spreading habit that makes it ideally suited to container growing. Dark green foliage turns a brilliant bronze in winter and pink flowers in summer are followed by bright red, edible 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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
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 usesPatio and container plants
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 and How to grow your own blueberries
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