Vaccinium gaultherioides
Vaccinium gaultherioides · Ericaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around vaccinium gaultherioides and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 0.3 to 0.6 m in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Zones 6-9 (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- East Asia (Japan, China)
- Soil
- Acidic, well-draining, rich in organic matter
Care
Light Exposure
Place your Vaccinium gaultherioides in partial shade or dappled light. It tolerates moderate sun but prefers filtered brightness, especially in warm regions. Protect it from strong drying winds.
Watering
Keep the soil lightly moist without waterlogging. Water regularly during growth and flowering (spring-summer), then reduce in autumn-winter. Prefer soft water or rainwater, as this plant is sensitive to lime.
Soil and Amendment
This shrub demands acidic soil (pH 4.5-6). Enrich the soil with heather peat and peat moss at planting. An acidic mulch (fine bark, pine needles) helps maintain soil acidity and moisture.
Fertilizing
A light application of acidic fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Choose a balanced or specific fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Avoid excess, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead or damaged branches. Since it's a slow-growing shrub, avoid drastic pruning.
Diseases and Pests
Generally robust, it may suffer from root rot in overly wet or poorly drained soil. Check for spider mites indoors. Good air circulation and proper drainage prevent most issues.
Did you know?
Vaccinium gaultherioides is a small ornamental Asian shrub that produces tiny white or pale pink flowers, often followed by small blue-black berries. Its specific name 'gaultherioides' means 'resembling gaultheria,' as it shares the preference for acidic soils. It's a collector's plant, beloved by enthusiasts of acid-soil gardens and miniature arrangements.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
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- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.