Species small cranberry

small cranberry

Vaccinium oxycoccos

Small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) is a small, evergreen shrub with bright pink leaves and dark red, edible berries. It usually grows to a height of up to 2 feet tall, but can be larger in ideal conditions. These berries are slightly acidic, and they are popularly used in tarts and sauces. Although Small Cranberry are native to Northern Europe, they can be found throughout much of North America too. In addition to its edible properties, Small Cranberry shrubs are often grown for their attractive foliage and colorful fruit. The plant is tolerant of cold weather and is relatively easy to maintain. As long as it is grown in moist, acidic soil with partial shade, it will thrive.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2

Flowers:

Showy, Pink Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,filtered shade

Soil:

Acidic, Bog

Fruits:

red,purple,pink,maroon Fruits In Spring Ready In Autumn

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water small cranberry plants once every week providing about 1-2 inches of water. Water should be administered slowly so that it can evenly reach and penetrate the entire area of the soil. Additionally, the soil should be kept evenly moist. During dry periods, increase the frequency of watering to twice per week with the same amount of water.

sunlight

Small cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) plants prefer full sun during the summer months and a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. For optimal growth and fruiting, they should receive up to 8 hours of direct sunlight. In areas with intense sun, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. During the winter months, these plants need only 3-4 hours of sunlight each day, as long days of intense sun can prevent flowering.

pruning

Pruning should always be done when the plants are dormant, in early spring before the buds begin to open. Pruning should also be done regularly, after the initial prune in early spring. When pruning a small cranberry bush, it is important to selectively remove stems and branches that are dead, damaged, or diseased. This will help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease spread. It will also allow the plant to focus its energy on producing healthier and more fruitful branches. During pruning, care should be taken to ensure that no more than one third of the bush is removed at any one time. This will help to maintain the health of the bush, and encourage new shoots the following spring. When pruning, always use sharp pruners or shears to help ensure clean cuts. Leaving jagged or split branches increases the risk of disease and can detract from the aesthetics of the bush.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vaccinium oxycoccos typically begins in late August and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Small cranberry typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vaccinium oxycoccos typically begins in late August and continues through October.

Hardiness Map