Himalayan Whortleberry
Perhaps the cutest one in the whole Vaccinium genus, Himalayan Whortleberry is the perfect evergreen berry plant for small spaces. A Himalayan relative of blueberry and huckleberries it is grown for its dazzling foliage and also creates delicious dark blue berries. Prefers cool soil conditions so mulch heavily and give it plenty of summer water. The bright red new growth in spring is reason enough to grow this lovely shrub! Avoid dry compact soils which it intensely dislikes. An annual application of mulch will keep the roots cool and moist during the heat of summer.
Latin Name: Vaccinium nummularia
Site and Soil: Whortleberry can grow in sun or part shade and prefers rich soils that are well watered.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: 5° F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 3′ x 3′
Bloom Time: May
Ripening Time: July
Yield: 2-3 pints
Pests & Diseases: Not bothered by pests or diseases
USDA Zone: 7