- Botanical name: Vaccinium myrtillus
- Common name: Bilberry
- Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Fruit, Deciduous
White
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Autumn colour
- Fruits
A blueberry relative, the bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, is commonly found growing on the heaths, moors and woodlands of northern Europe, and has naturalised in some parts of Britain. It forms a small, low-growing, spreading shrub, and thrives in acidic soils.
In spring, Vaccinium myrtillus is smothered in small, white tubular flowers, which are followed in summer by blue-black berries, similar to blueberries only smaller. A compact plant with small green leaves, the bilberry is perfect for growing in small gardens, and is well suited to growing in pots of ericaceous compost.
How to grow Vaccinium myrtillus
-
Plant size
45cm height
45cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / acidic / boggy
- Plant care: Needs regular watering in pots
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does not fruit in June |
J
Plant does fruit in July |
A
Plant does fruit in August |
S
Plant does fruit in September |
O
Plant does not fruit in October |
N
Plant does not fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
Vaccinium myrtillus and wildlife
Vaccinium myrtillus is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Vaccinium myrtillus poisonous?
Vaccinium myrtillus has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Vaccinium myrtillus
