Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Red Candy'PBR (F)
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 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H5Botanical 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
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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