Vaccinium ciliatum

Vaccinium ciliatum is a deciduous shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. It grows to about 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall. PFAF places its native range in Japan and Korea. Its more detailed distribution entry lists western Honshu and northern Kyushu. It grows along broad-leaved forest edges in lowland areas. This habitat points to a place at a woodland edge in gardens.

The shrub sheds its leaves each year. The supplied sources give no further species-level leaf or bark details. Flowers appear from June to July. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them. The round berries measure about 0.28 inches [7 millimetres] across. They turn blue-black and carry a thick, white, powdery coating. People can eat the fruit raw or cooked. PFAF gives its food value a low score of one out of five.

Grow this shrub in moist soil that lets excess water drain. Light sandy soil or loam suits it. PFAF recommends soil rich in peat, or light loam with leaf mould. The soil should contain no lime. Its preferred pH range is 4.5 to 6. Lime can cause chlorosis, which makes the leaves lose their green colour. The plant accepts full sun or light shade. A sunny site gives better fruit crops. Choose a spot with shelter from strong winds.

Avoid moving the plant once it has settled into place. Its roots do not cope well with disturbance. PFAF advises keeping young plants in pots until final planting. Seed can be sown in a greenhouse in late winter. Use a lime-free mix and cover the seed only lightly. Stored seed may need up to three months of cold treatment. Another cited method uses fresh seed as soon as it ripens. Keep seedlings under cover for their first winter. Plant out after the last expected frost in late spring or early summer.

Half-ripe cuttings offer another way to raise plants. PFAF describes this method as slow and difficult. Layering is an option in late summer or early autumn. PFAF lists no known hazards, medicinal uses, or other uses. That hazard note does not establish safety for pets. The RHS marks the plant's name as unresolved. PFAF also warns of confusion with a different name linked to Vaccinium oldhamii.