Empetrum rubrum

Empetrum rubrum is a small evergreen shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. Kew classes its growth form as a subshrub. Its native range covers south-central and southern Chile, reaching southern Argentina. It also grows naturally on Tristan da Cunha. It comes from temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This slow-growing plant reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. Its spread reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its wild habitats include dwarf shrub heath, bogs, and swamps. It also grows in open southern beech forest. In some places, it forms part of the forest understorey. These habitats include both open ground and sites beneath trees.

Flowers appear in May, according to Plants For A Future. Each plant bears either male or female flowers, not both. Bees, flies, moths, and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The plant cannot fertilise itself. Grow both sexes together when seed is the aim. The fruit is edible, either raw or cooked. Plants For A Future also records traditional use as a tonic. This records a use, rather than proof of a health benefit. The same source lists no known hazards.

In gardens, give it moist, lime-free, peaty soil with good drainage. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Plants For A Future lists mildly acid to neutral conditions. Its cultivation notes stress that it avoids lime. It grows in sun or partial shade. Suitable sites include a sunny woodland edge or dappled shade. It tolerates exposed sites, including coastal exposure in Cornwall. Its low growth suits ground cover and planted beds. Plants For A Future reports UK zone 8 hardiness and no frost tenderness.

Propagation needs patience because seed can take a long time to sprout. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame once ripe. Stored seed needs five warm months, then three cold months. Keep seedlings under glass through at least their first winter. Plant them out after the expected last frost has passed. Cuttings offer another route to new plants. Take half-ripe cuttings in July or August. Mature cuttings from the current year's growth can be taken in October. The autumn cuttings need shade in a frame.