Vaccinium myrtillus
common bilberry
A deciduous, suckering, usually prostrate shrub to 30cm high with dense, bright green, angular stems and ovate, glossy leaves that are often flushed red in autumn. Pendant, rounded to urn-shaped, pink flowers borne in the leaf axils in late spring to early summer are followed by blue-black, edible berries
Other common names
blackberryblackheart
see moreblaeberry
bullberries
fragham
frocken
hartberries
horts
huckleberry
hurtleberry
whinberry
whortle bilberry
whortleberry
blueberry
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Green | Black Blue | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an acidic, peaty or sandy soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Ground cover
- Banks and slopes
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies
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