Wittsteinia vacciniacea

Wittsteinia vacciniacea is an evergreen shrub from Victoria, Australia. It belongs to the Alseuosmiaceae family. Its common names include Victorian whortleberry and baw baw berry. In the wild, it grows in the sub-alpine zone. Recorded sites lie at heights of 2,953–4,921 feet [900–1,500 metres]. This mountain habitat forms part of its native range.

This low shrub spreads out as it grows. The RHS describes plants around 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Its listed garden height range reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. The spread can reach 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size. The bushy growth and broad spread suit ground cover. Dark green leaves stay on the plant year-round. They are oval to egg-shaped, with toothed edges. Each leaf can reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] long.

Small flower clusters appear from late spring into early summer. They grow in the leaf axils, where leaves meet stems. The flowers have a bell shape and a scent. Their pale green colour can include red-toned veins. Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible. It gives the fruit a low food-use score, however. Its account gives no further details about eating it. The supplied sources do not describe fruit colour or flavour.

Choose a sheltered site with sun or partial shade. The soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain. Acidic or neutral soil suits this shrub best. The RHS lists clay, loam and sand as suitable soil types. It assigns the plant a UK hardiness rating of H4. That rating covers minimum temperatures of about −10 to −5°C. Garden uses include rock gardens, informal beds and cottage gardens. It also suits patio containers and planting as ground cover. Plants For A Future lists sunny woodland edges as another setting.

The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. It says the shrub needs no pruning. Growers can raise plants from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Plants For A Future records no known hazards. That does not establish safety for pets or every plant part. The same source lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also records no weed potential.