VACCINIUM
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VACCINIUM
Commonly known as Highbush blueberry, Swamp blueberry
Includes the bilberry, blueberry, and cranberry.
Genus of about 450 species from a variety of habitats from heath and moorland to bogs and woodland.
UK natives are V. myrtilis, bilberry, blaeberry, whortleberry and a host of local names and V. oxycoccus, cranberry, more common in northern England, Wales and Ireland and V. vitis-idaea, cowberry or red whortleberry from the Scottish Highlands.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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BerriesThese plants have berries.
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Good to know
Some cultivars are grown commercially as 'blueberries' -
Ornamental bark
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Pests & Diseases
Possibly Phytophthora crown and root rot -
Place of origin
Eastern North America -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Deciduousleaves to 9cm (3½in) long, turning yellow or red in autumn. Produces flowers in pendent, terminal racemes to 5cm (2in) long followed by spherical berries to 1cm (½in) across.
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Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red) -
Woodland garden
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Fully hardy
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Entire
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Elliptic
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Lanceolate
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Height
1.5m (5ft) -
Spread
1.5m (5ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightUpright, dense, many-branched shrub with arching shoots.
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Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
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Hardy - very cold winter
Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) -
Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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Acid / ericaceous loving
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Fertile moist well-drained soilPeaty or sandy
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Bee friendly
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Mature Size1.5m (5ft)
1.5m (5ft)
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Vaccinium - Growing Guide
