About
A deciduous, suckering, usually prostrate shrub to 30cm high with dense, vivid green, angular stems and ovate, glossy leaves that are often flushed red in autumn. Pendant, rounded to urn-shaped, pink flowers borne in the leaf axils in late spring to early summer are followed by blue-black, edible 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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in acid, naturally peaty or sandy soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings
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