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Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberry

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Fruits
Fruits

Plant does not fruit in January

Plant does not fruit in February

Plant does not fruit in March

Plant does not fruit in April

Plant does not fruit in May

Plant does not fruit in June

Plant does fruit in July

Plant does fruit in August

Plant does fruit in September

Plant does not fruit in October

Plant does not fruit in November

Plant does not fruit in December

  • Botanical name: Vaccinium myrtillus
  • Common name: Bilberry
  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Plant Type: Fruit, Deciduous
Flower colour:

White

Foliage colour:

Green

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.

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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

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Plant
Plant

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do not Plant in May

Do not Plant in June

Do not Plant in July

Do not Plant in August

Do Plant in September

Do Plant in October

Do Plant in November

Do not Plant in December

Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Fruits
Fruits

Plant does not fruit in January

Plant does not fruit in February

Plant does not fruit in March

Plant does not fruit in April

Plant does not fruit in May

Plant does not fruit in June

Plant does fruit in July

Plant does fruit in August

Plant does fruit in September

Plant does not fruit in October

Plant does not fruit in November

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:

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