Vaccinium myrtillus aka Bilberry

Taxonomy

Vaccinium myrtillus, also known as bilberry or European blueberry, is a holarctic species of shrub with edible fruit of blue color. It has several common names such as blaeberry, wimberry, and whortleberry. Unlike American blueberries, bilberries grow in the original, wild form and have one fruit per twig rather than clusters. They can be planted in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8 as a fruit crop or ground cover, but prefer cooler climates to avoid getting too hot. Bilberries are a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and well-draining soil. They do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Repotting each time the plant doubles in size should provide sufficient nutrients without the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Bilberry, Blaeberry, Blue Berry

How to care for Bilberry

Difficulty

Bilberry presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Bilberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bilberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Bilberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Bilberry is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Bilberry’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, Macedonia, the Caucasus and N. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia