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.
About the genus
Vaccinium is a common and widespread genus of shrubs or dwarf shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae). The fruits of many species are eaten by humans and some are of commercial importance, including the cranberry, blueberry, bilberry (whortleberry), lingonberry (cowberry), and huckleberry. Like many other heath plants, they are restricted to acidic soils.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vaccinium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vaccinium
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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vaccinium occidentale?
Vaccinium occidentale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vaccinium occidentale need?
Vaccinium occidentale grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Vaccinium occidentale hardy in the UK?
Vaccinium occidentale has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Vaccinium occidentale?
Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
