About
This is a graceful shrub or short tree reaching nearly 2m in favourable conditions. It has deciduous green leaves which turn red in autumn and small white bell-shaped flowers borne individually in leaf axils, which develop into bright red 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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toWestern N America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained acidic soil. Choose a sheltered site in full sun or light shade in the north, light shade in the south.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or 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