Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Pilgrim') – 2-litre pot

The cranberry is quite well-known in dried form and as a juice, but fresh cranberries are even more delicious. This low-growing, evergreen shrub has an ornamental spread and is perfectly suited for container gardening. The dark green foliage turns a beautiful bronze in winter, while the small pink flowers are a real magnet for butterflies and insects in the spring. The bright red fruits ripen in September and October. Firm, full of flavour, and packed with vitamins. 

The 'Pilgrim' is a low-growing shrub that can also serve as ground cover. Cranberries stay close to the ground, reaching only 15-25 cm in height, but spread out widely. The plant requires slightly acidic soil with a pH below 6.0 and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. 

Key features:

• Ripening period: September - October
• Taste: fresh, slightly tart
• Fruit colour: bright red
• Thorns: no
• Position: sun to partial shade
• Planting distance: 30-60 cm
• Height: 15-25 cm
• Hardy: yes
• Foliage type: evergreen

Tips and care:

• Planting: plant the shrubs from September to March, avoiding periods of severe frost. Later planting is possible, but provide extra water during warm weather as the roots are not yet well-established. Ensure a sunny spot with moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil. 
• Soil: improve the soil at planting with composted organic matter or rhododendron soil. Mulch with rhododendron compost or pine needles to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water: keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Cranberries love moist conditions but do not tolerate waterlogging.
• Pruning: requires almost no pruning. In winter, remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches to improve air circulation. Do not prune into the old wood. 
• Feeding: fertilise in the spring with a slow-release fertiliser to support flowering and fruit set. 
• Open ground or pots: all small fruits can be grown in pots. The larger the pot, the better they will thrive. They will always grow better and produce more fruit in open ground.

TIP: Plant several shrubs next to each other for beautiful ground cover and a richer harvest. Cranberries also look lovely in a hanging pot where the branches can trail over the edge!