Vaccinium myrtilloides (Canadian blueberry) — Bushy

Overview

Vaccinium myrtilloides is a bushy fruit edible in the genus Vaccinium, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vaccinium myrtilloides 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.

About

Vaccinium myrtilloides, commonly known as Canadian blueberry or velvet-leaf blueberry, is a deciduous, bushy shrub belonging to the Vaccinium genus in the Ericaceae family. This fruit-bearing shrub thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, favouring moist but well-drained, acidic sandy or loamy soils. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is suitable for cottage gardens, wildlife areas, and edible fruit cultivation. The plant produces small bell-shaped flowers followed by edible berries and is best propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer.

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 myrtilloides 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Vaccinium myrtilloides

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