Vaccinium myrtillus

RHS Plant Profile
common bilberry

Other common names

blackberry, blackheart, blaeberry, bullberries, fragham, frocken, hartberries, horts, huckleberry, hurtleberry, whinberry, whortle bilberry, whortleberry, blueberry

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 acid, naturally 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

Pruning group 1

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