Lingonberry.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Evergreen shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

12 inches tall

Growth rate

Slow

Hardiness

USDA 2 to 7

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to ensure healthy root development. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil pH is too high for this acid-loving plant. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the shallow roots cool during warmer months.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the fruit production stage.

Feeding

Apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer once in early spring.

Pruning

Prune lightly every few years to remove dead wood and encourage new growth.

Repotting

Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or the soil loses its acidity.

Soil

Peaty, acidic soil

Soil pH

4.5 to 5.5

Temperature

-40 to 25°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The plant is non-toxic to humans.

Children

The small berries are a potential choking hazard for very young children.

Edibility

Always ensure berries are properly identified before consumption as some lookalikes are toxic.

How to identify it

• Small leathery evergreen leaves
• Bell shaped white or pink flowers
• Bright red edible berries
• Low creeping growth habit

Height

0.1 to 0.3m

Spread

0.2 to 0.6m

Leaves

dark green, evergreen

Flowers

white, pink, 0.5 to 0.8cm

Fruit

red, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

• ChlorosisCommon
• Mummy BerryCommon
• PhytophthoraCommon
• Leaf SpotUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• Twig BlightUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, division, seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Group this plant with other acid-loving species to simplify soil management.

Grows well with

• Blueberry · They share similar requirements for acidic soil and moisture.
• Heather · Both plants thrive in the same acidic, well-draining conditions.

Similar species

• Bearberry · It is a similar low-growing evergreen shrub with red berries.

Science

Family

Ericaceae

Genus

Vaccinium

Order

Ericales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Circumboreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Conservation

This plant is common in its native range and not considered threatened.

It grows in acidic, peaty soils in forests and heathlands, often forming dense mats that stabilize the ground.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, provides food for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

groundcover, culinary fruit, rock gardens

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need two plants for fruit?

While they are self-fertile, planting more than one can improve your harvest.

Can I grow them in a container?

Yes, they grow well in pots if you use a highly acidic potting mix.

Where the name comes from

The name vitis-idaea translates to vine of Mount Ida, referring to the plant's resemblance to grape vines found on the Greek mountain.

Good to know

• Lingonberries are sometimes called cowberries or mountain cranberries.
• They thrive in acidic, nutrient-poor soils where many other plants fail.
• The berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
• They are perfectly suited for cold climates and can withstand deep snow cover.