Vaccinium macrocarpon ‘Cranberry’ – A Hardy Groundcover with Edible Berries

The Vaccinium macrocarpon ‘Cranberry’ is a low-growing, evergreen perennial plant that produces small, glossy leaves and bright red berries in autumn. Known for being both ornamental and edible, this hardy shrub is a great choice for gardeners who want to combine attractive groundcover with a practical harvest.

Native to North America, cranberries thrive in cool, moist conditions and are traditionally cultivated in boggy soils. In gardens, however, they are easy to grow in containers, raised beds, or borders if provided with acidic soil and adequate moisture. Their trailing growth habit makes them especially decorative, and their jewel-like berries can be harvested for use in sauces, jams, or baking.

General Information

Vaccinium macrocarpon is part of the same family as blueberries and lingonberries and shares their love of acidic, well-drained soil.

• Habit: Low-growing, spreading evergreen with fine stems and trailing growth.

• Height & spread: Reaches around 10–20cm in height, spreading up to 60–90cm over time.

• Foliage: Small, glossy green leaves that often turn reddish-bronze in winter for added seasonal interest.

• Flowers: Small, pink, star-shaped blooms appear in late spring to early summer.

• Fruit: Round, shiny red cranberries ripen in late summer to autumn; edible and suitable for cooking.

• Position: Prefers full sun for the best fruiting, though tolerates light shade.

• Soil: Requires acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5); thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich conditions. Use ericaceous compost for containers.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and cold winters.

• Uses: Excellent as groundcover, in containers, raised beds, or in fruit and wildlife gardens.

With both ornamental value and edible harvests, cranberries are versatile and rewarding for gardeners of all levels.

Care Guide

Cranberries are easy to grow with the right conditions, thriving best when their love of acidic soil and consistent moisture is met.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or early autumn when the soil is moist and workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant shallowly; roots should be just covered. Space plants 30–45cm apart.

• Containers: Use ericaceous compost in pots or planters with good drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially in summer.

• Water with rainwater where possible, as tap water in hard water areas can raise soil pH.

• Feed in spring with an ericaceous fertiliser to promote healthy growth and fruiting.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required – simply trim back long, straggly stems in early spring to maintain shape.

• Remove any dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy growth.

• Mulch annually with leaf mould, pine needles, or bark to conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity.

Harvesting

• Berries ripen from late summer into autumn, typically September–October.

• Harvest when fruits are fully red and firm.

• Use fresh, freeze for later, or cook into sauces, jams, and baked goods.

Protection

• Fully hardy, though protect young plants from very harsh winter winds.

• Birds may be attracted to ripening fruit – use netting if you want to secure your harvest.

Why Choose Vaccinium macrocarpon ‘Cranberry’?

This versatile plant offers both ornamental beauty and a useful edible harvest.

• Edible fruit: Tart red berries for sauces, jams, or freezing.

• Attractive foliage: Evergreen leaves with seasonal bronze tones.

• Wildlife-friendly: Flowers attract pollinators; berries may be enjoyed by birds if left unharvested.

• Compact growth: Low, spreading habit ideal for groundcover or containers.

• Hardy and reliable: Thrives in acidic soils and cool conditions.

The Vaccinium macrocarpon ‘Cranberry’ is a rewarding shrub that combines decorative value with the practicality of a fruit harvest. Whether used as ornamental groundcover, planted in containers, or grown for its tangy berries, it brings colour, interest, and productivity to gardens large and small.

• Size
  C 2 40- 50

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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