Vaccinium myrtillus aka Bilberry
Taxonomy ID: 8677
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, WhortleberryMore information about Bilberry
How difficult is it to take care of Bilberry
Bilberry presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Bilberry
Bilberry’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, Macedonia, the Caucasus and N. Asia.
What are the water needs for Bilberry
Bilberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Bilberry
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Bilberry
Bilberry thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Blue Berry.
How to fertilize Bilberry
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.
Is Bilberry toxic to humans/pets?
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.
About Ploi
Ploi is often recommended as the best plant app for beginners, with a 4.99-star rating on the App Store and Google Play. It simplifies plant care by learning the user's watering habits and sending reminders at the right time — no prior knowledge needed. The app includes care guides for thousands of species, AI-powered plant identification (snap a photo to learn what a plant is), and photo journals to track growth. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
