shrub

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) — a shrub, for Part sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightpart_shade to full_sun
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible fruit
Mulch_biomasslow to medium

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceNew growth emerges after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 5 C.
floweringFlowering occurs approximately 30 days after emergence, lasting for about 6 weeks.
fruitingFruits begin to develop about 60 days after flowering, ripening over a two-month period.
harvestBerries are typically ready for harvest from July through August.
senescenceFoliage begins to senesce with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyThe plant enters dormancy approximately 30 days after the first autumn frost, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, phosphorus
Soil texturesandy, loamy
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings, division
Difficulty3 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 2-3 months
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring_or_autumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractspollinators, birds, mammals