Vaccinium microcarpum
Vaccinium microcarpum · Ericaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around vaccinium microcarpum and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Small-fruited cranberry, Bog cranberry
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to June, pale pink flowers
- Mature size
- 20 to 30 cm in height, spreading habit
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -40 °C)
- Origin
- Peatlands of Northern Europe and boreal Asia
- Soil type
- Acidic, moist, peaty
Care
Soil and substrate
Vaccinium microcarpum requires acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5) and moist, organic-rich conditions. A mix of light peat, ericaceous soil, and coarse sand works perfectly. Drainage should remain moderate: this plant loves constant moisture but not prolonged waterlogging.
Watering
Keep the substrate consistently moist, especially during growth and fruiting periods. Water should be lime-free (rainwater or settled water). In pots, check moisture regularly and don't let the soil dry out completely.
Light exposure
Prefer full sun to partial shade. At least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight promotes flowering and fruiting. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can help prevent water stress.
Fertilizing
Apply an acidic fertilizer for ericaceous plants in spring. Monthly feeding during the growing season is sufficient. Use moderate amounts: this plant isn't demanding and prefers naturally organic-rich soil.
Pruning and maintenance
Light pruning after flowering encourages compact branching and better production. Remove dead or damaged wood. Pruning shouldn't be severe: this small cranberry needs to retain its natural structure.
Diseases and pests
This species is generally robust but can suffer from powdery mildew or rot in excess of stagnant moisture. Ensure good air circulation around the plant. Regularly inspect leaves for any early signs of infection.
Did you know?
Vaccinium microcarpum produces tiny red berries that are very acidic and persist on the plant through winter, providing a precious food source for boreal birds during the cold months. In Scandinavia and Russia, these cranberries were long preserved in snow or wet peat, creating a natural refrigeration system before the invention of modern freezers.
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
- Cross-leaved heathErica tetralix
- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.