About
This upright, bushy deciduous shrub to 150cm in height, with narrow, elliptic green foliage which turns to shades of orange and red in the autumn. Bell-shaped white to pink flowers appear in spring followed by sweet and juicy pink berries, ready for harvesting in late summer. Self-fertile but the best crop will be produced with another plant nearby.
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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant in a sheltered site in moisture-retentive, acidic soil, (pH 4.5-5.5) in sun or part shade. This cultivar is very hardy and more tolerant of colder locations and heavy soils than others. Alternatively grow in containers or raised beds filled with ericaceous compost. For optimal pollination and yield plant three different cultivars. See blueberry cultivation for further advice
PruningMore mature plants benefit from regular pruning, see pruning blueberries
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, especially if container grown
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies