About
A low-growing, compact, evergreen shrub to around 20cm high with slender, bristly shoots bearing small, dark green, wrinkled leaves. Small racemes of bell-shaped, white to pink flowers are borne at the tips of the shoots in early summer and are followed by globular, 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toHimalaya
Care notes
CultivationPlant in a sheltered site in well-drained, moisture-retentive, acidic soil in part shade. Alternatively grow in containers or raised beds filled with ericaceous compost
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
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