Vaccinium vitis-idaea
cowberry
A European native with a dwarf, creeping habit, spreading up to 1.5m across, and dark green evergreen foliage. White, bell-shaped flowers in early summer are followed by tart, red fruits in July and August
Other common names
flowering boxhurtleberry
see morehurts
lingberry
lingonberry
munshock
red whortleberry
whinberry
brawlins
foxberry
mountain cranberry
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Red | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
- Temp N Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in acidic, moist but well drained soil in partial shade, such as a woodland edge. May be susceptible to frost damage in colder climates. See blueberry cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-late summer or layer in mid-summer. Alternatively sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- 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
Get involved
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