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Fruit EdibleShrubs

Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Red Candy'PBR

cowberry 'Red Candy'

'Red Candy' is a bushy, dwarf, evergreen shrub, to about 20cm tall, with small, shiny, dark green leaves and sprays of pinky-white, bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by bright red, edible berries

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Pink Green
Summer White Pink Green Red
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ericaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in extremely acid soils that are moist but well-drained. Tolerant of shade and woodland edges. Susceptible to frost damage and delayed flowering in colder areas

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer or layer in midsummer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Garden edging
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Pruning group 8

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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