Vaccinium parvifolium
red bilberry
This is a graceful shrub or short tree reaching nearly 2m in favourable conditions. It has deciduous green leaves which turn red in autumn and small white bell-shaped flowers borne individually in leaf axils, which develop into bright red edible berries
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/sepa11334.jpg)
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Red | ||
Autumn | Red | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy, Columnar upright
- 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
- Western N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained acidic soil. Choose a sheltered site in full sun or light shade in the north, light shade in the south.
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Edible fruit
Pruning
No pruning required
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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