About
This European native with a dwarf, creeping habit, spreading up to 1.5m across, and dark green evergreen foliage. White, bell-shaped flowers in early summer are followed by tart, red fruits in July and August.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTemp N Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrow in acidic, moist but well drained soil in partial shade, such as a woodland edge. May be susceptible to frost damage in colder climates. See blueberry cultivation
PruningPruning group 8. See blueberry pruning
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-late summer or layer in mid-summer. Alternatively sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn
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