Vaccinium occidentale (western blueberry) — Bushy

Overview

Vaccinium occidentale is a bushy fruit edible in the genus Vaccinium, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vaccinium occidentale grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and edible fruit.

About

Vaccinium occidentale, commonly known as western blueberry, is a bushy, deciduous shrub belonging to the Vaccinium genus. These plants produce small, bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by juicy edible berries in summer. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained acidic soils such as loam or sand, and prefers full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. This hardy shrub is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders, and beds, and can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring and early summer respectively.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Vaccinium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Vaccinium occidentale 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 occidentale

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