Vaccinium modestum

Vaccinium modestum is a small deciduous shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. Kew lists its growth form as a subshrub. Its native range runs from Meghalaya in Assam to northwestern Yunnan, China, and northern Myanmar. It grows in cold mountain regions with subalpine or subarctic climates. Wild habitats include cliffs, fir forests, alpine meadows, and thickets. These sites lie at elevations of 10,170–13,120 feet [3,100–4,000 metres].

Plants For A Future gives a height of about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Its stated spread is about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. This makes it a low, spreading plant for small spaces. It sheds its leaves rather than keeping them through winter. Flowers appear from June to September. Each flower has both male and female organs, and insects provide pollination. Seeds ripen from August to October. The fruit reaches about 0.03 feet [0.01 metres] across.

This shrub needs moist soil that drains freely. It suits sandy or loamy ground, with plenty of organic matter. Leaf mould can help enrich a light loam. It prefers acid soil, with a reported pH range of 4.5–6. Lime can cause chlorosis, which makes leaves lose their green colour. Both full sun and light shade suit it. A sunny site gives better fruit crops. Choose a place sheltered from strong winds. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. It also reports tolerance of roughly −5 to −10°C. Colder parts of Britain may therefore prove unsuitable.

A sunny woodland edge is one suggested garden setting. Its low form and edible crop offer value there. The fruit has a pleasant taste and suits eating raw or cooked. The source lists no known hazards, but gives no separate pet-safety assessment. It reports no known medicinal uses or other uses beyond food and gardening.

Roots dislike disturbance, so avoid moving established plants. Raise young plants in pots before planting them in their final site. Seeds can go into lime-free compost under glass in late winter. Stored seed may need up to three months of cold treatment. Keep seedlings lightly shaded and protected through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frosts. Half-ripe cuttings are another option, though rooting can be slow and difficult. Layering is also possible in late summer or early autumn.