What Is a Bilberry Bush?

Bilberry Shrub Family

• Bilberries are classified under the scientific name Vaccinium myrtillus. The genus Vaccinium includes blueberries, cranberries, huckleberries and lingonberries. Plants in this genus belong to the plant family Ericaceae, commonly called the heath family. The Ericaceae family includes shrubs like heather, heath, rhododendrons and azaleas. One strong correlation between bilberries and other plants in this family is the acidic soil requirement that rhododendrons, azaleas and Vaccinium species share.

Size and Appearance

• A low-growing shrub, bilberries stand 12 to 16 inches tall with a multistem growth pattern. The compact, round shrubs are deciduous, losing their leaves in late fall and remaining bare through the winter. Small pink flowers bloom in spring followed by smooth, glossy, blue-colored berries. Plant three or more bilberry bushes in the same area to encourage cross-pollination. Use bilberry shrubs as a groundcover or a low-growing hedge. Planted in containers, bilberry shrubs grow well on patios and outdoor areas.

Growing Conditions

• Bilberry shrubs require acidic soil with high quantities of organic matter. Acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6 is ideal. Bilberries grow well and produce the best berries in full sun but will grow in part shade. Full shade is tolerated, but growth is stunted and berry production suffers. Bilberries require consistently damp soil that drains well. Avoid areas that have standing water periodically during the year.

Planting and Propagation

• Some plants take well to transplanting, but bilberry shrubs are not one of them. Keep bilberries in containers until you plant them out into their permanent position in the garden. Plant new shrubs in spring. When planting in summer, choose an overcast day and plant late in the evening or early in the morning when the weather is cool. Propagate bilberries from cuttings taken in spring or summer of from seed in late winter or early spring.