About

Red Candy' is a bushy, dwarf, evergreen shrub, to about 20cm tall, with small, shiny, dark green leaves and sprays of pinky-white, bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by 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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in extremely acid soils that are moist but well-drained. Tolerant of shade and woodland edges. Susceptible to frost damage and delayed flowering in colder areas
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer or layer in midsummer
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