VACCINIUM
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VACCINIUM
Commonly known as Box 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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Pests & Diseases
Possibly Phytophthora crown and root rot -
Place of origin
Western North America (British Columbia to California) -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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EvergreenDensely arranged, finely toothed, leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves to 3cm (1¼in) long, bronze when young.
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Fully hardy
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Serrulate
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Ovate
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Height
4m (13ft) -
Spread
3m (10ft)
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Tall ShrubUpright, bushy shrub. Produces cylindrical or urn-shaped flowers 6mm (¼in) long in dense, axillary racemes 2.5cm (1in) long. Flowers are followed by edible, spherical, black berries 6mm (¼in) across.
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Pruning group 5
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
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Hardy - cold winter
Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) -
Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Spring Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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Winter Seasonal Interest
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Acid / ericaceous lovingPeaty or sandy soil, moist but well drained
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Mature Size4m (13ft)
3m (10ft)
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Vaccinium - Growing Guide
View Planting Combinations