Vaccinium padifolium aka Madeiran Blueberry

Vaccinium padifolium is a deciduous shrub from Madeira. Its common names include Madeira whortleberry and Madeiran whortleberry. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. The RHS lists Vaccinium maderense as a synonym. This species is not native to Britain or Ireland. In Madeira, it grows in mountain habitats. These lie at 2,950–4,920 feet [900–1,500 metres] above sea level.

The shrub reaches about 8.2 feet [2.5 metres] tall. It loses its leaves rather than keeping them year-round. Flowers appear in June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The black fruit is about 0.04 feet [0.012 metres] across. Its flesh is juicy, with both sweetness and acidity. People can eat the fruit raw or cook it. Plants For A Future gives its edible value two out of five.

Grow this shrub in moist soil that drains well. It suits sandy or loamy ground with no lime. A light loam with added leaf mould is suitable. It also favours soil rich in peat. Plants For A Future gives a preferred pH of 4.5–6. Lime in the soil can cause chlorosis. The plant accepts full sun or light shade. A sunny site gives better fruit crops. Choose a place sheltered from strong winds. A woodland garden or its sunny edge can suit it.

Frost limits where this species can grow outdoors. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. It reports success in milder British areas and at Kew. The roots do not respond well to disturbance. Keep young plants in pots until their final planting. Set them out in late spring or early summer. Wait until the last expected frosts have passed. This combines its need for shelter with care around its roots.

Seed offers one way to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed when ripe, or sow in late winter under glass. Use a lime-free mix and cover the seed lightly. Stored seed may need up to three months of cold treatment. Keep seedlings lightly shaded and protect their first winter under glass. Half-ripe cuttings taken in August are another option. Plants For A Future describes these as slow and difficult. Layering in late summer or early autumn is also possible. That source reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. It also lists no other uses and no weed potential.