Overview
Vaccinium uliginosum is a bushy fruit edible in the genus Vaccinium, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vaccinium uliginosum 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 uliginosum, commonly known as bog bilberry, is a bushy, deciduous shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. It thrives in 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 plant, suitable for UK gardens, is valued for its edible berries and is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. It is best propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings and provides winter interest.
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 uliginosum 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 uliginosum
- 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 uliginosum?
Vaccinium uliginosum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vaccinium uliginosum need?
Vaccinium uliginosum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Vaccinium uliginosum hardy in the UK?
Vaccinium uliginosum 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 uliginosum?
Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
More in the Vaccinium genus
- Vacciniumblueberry
- Vaccinium ashei 'Ochlockonee'PBR (F)rabbiteye blueberry 'Ochlockonee'
- Vaccinium corymbosum 'Hortblue Poppins'PBR
- Vaccinium hirsutumhairy huckleberry
- Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Red Star' (F)
- Vaccinium myrtilloidesCanadian blueberry
- Vaccinium occidentalewestern blueberry
- Vaccinium padifoliumMadeira whortleberry
