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Description
Vaccinium Cylindraceum, commonly known as the dwarf bilberry or the mountain bilberry, is a small shrub that belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. This evergreen plant is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, including the Alps and Pyrenees. It is a slow-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 10-30 cm and a spread of 30-60 cm. The plant features small green leaves with a glossy surface and bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit of the plant is a blue-black berry that is sweet and juicy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Vaccinium |
Appearance
Vaccinium Cylindraceum is a small, evergreen shrub that has a slow-growing habit. It typically reaches a height of 10-30 cm and a spread of 30-60 cm. The plant features small green leaves that are glossy and oval-shaped. The leaves are about 1-2 cm long and have a slightly serrated edge. The plant produces bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers in the spring that are about 5-8 mm long. The fruit of the plant is a blue-black berry that is sweet and juicy. The berry is about 5-8 mm in diameter and has a slightly tart flavor.
Care Guide
To care for Vaccinium Cylindraceum, it is important to provide the plant with well-draining soil that is acidic and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and prune the plant in the fall to promote new growth. Vaccinium Cylindraceum is hardy to USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vaccinium Cylindraceum is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-watered. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Vaccinium Cylindraceum is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, including the Alps and Pyrenees. It grows in rocky, acidic soils at high elevations, typically between 1,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level. The plant is well-suited to cold, wet climates and is able to survive in harsh conditions, such as snow and frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vaccinium Cylindraceum a good plant for containers?
A: Yes, Vaccinium Cylindraceum can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the roots and the plant is provided with well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water Vaccinium Cylindraceum?
A: Vaccinium Cylindraceum should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Does Vaccinium Cylindraceum need to be fertilized?
A: Yes, Vaccinium Cylindraceum should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Vaccinium Cylindraceum?
A: Vaccinium Cylindraceum is hardy to USDA zones 5-8.
Related Plants
- Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry)
- Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea (Lingonberry)
- Vaccinium Oxycoccos (Cranberry)
References
- “Vaccinium cylindraceum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c261.
- “Vaccinium cylindraceum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11199/Vaccinium-cylindraceum/Details.
- “Vaccinium cylindraceum.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Vaccinium+cylindraceum.
