trefle.io · Taken May 19, 2022 by Fero Looxi (cc-by-sa)
Ericaceae
European cranberry
Vaccinium oxycoccos
Also known as Highbush cranberry, European cranberrybush, Guelder rose, Oxycoccus palustris var. vulgaris
Native Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Cranberry · Bog-Plant · Edible · Acidic-Soil · Groundcover · Native · Berry · Perennial · Wetland · Ericaceous
European cranberry is a delicate, creeping bog plant that requires very acidic, consistently moist, and nutrient-poor soil to thrive — similar to sphagnum peat bog conditions. It does best in cool climates and should not be allowed to dry out, making it a challenging but rewarding plant for dedicated gardeners. Plant it in a raised peat bed or bog garden for the best results and a small crop of tart, edible berries.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use acidic, peaty growing medium · Every 3-5 days during growing season
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–6.5
- Temperature
- -20°F to 85°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 2 ft
- Spacing
- 12 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alaska, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Central European Rus, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
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