Click for previous Image Image 1 of 3 Vaccinium macrocarpum Cranberry

green and red leaves in late September

Vaccinium macrocarpum

Cranberry

Plant Type:

BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS

Vaccinium macrocarpum – Cranberry is a most beautiful shrub. The small oval leaves on this easy-to-please ericaceous shrub turn rich red on long wiry stems. Fruits begin their reign as glossy greenish white marbles gradually becoming infused with pink and finally mature red, large and showy. They are imbued equally with ornamental interest as they are edible. This will make a beautiful piece of patchwork in a quilt of heaths and heathers, is grand with Lingonberries and dwarf conifers. It will also form a striking ground cover planted en masse. Site in full sun planted in acid, fertile and evenly moist sandy loam for best results; as with many ericaceous shrubs they do not respond well to dry soils. Spring planting is best. Cutting grown.


Height:

2-6 in

Spread:

24-30 in

Colors:

Light Pink, White

Characteristics and Attributes for Vaccinium macrocarpum

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Four Seasons

Interesting Bark

  • Wiry

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads
  • Autumn Leaf Color

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Mostly Sunny
  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Border
  • Rock Garden
  • Edging
  • Heath / Peat Garden
  • Shrub Border
  • Evergreen
  • Natural Garden
  • Ground Cover
  • Massing

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Acid
  • Draining

Origins

  • Eastern North America
  • Western North America

Propagated By

  • Cutting Grown