About
A low-growing spreading deciduous shrub making good ground cover. It has much larger leaves than most Vacciniums. The leaves are green variously tinged with red. The flowers are white or pink small bells and develop into bright red highly 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 hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
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