Description
PNW native. A rare evergreen shrub to Vancouver Island. We could be at the most northern part of its range. I heard of it just a few years ago and the hunt has been rewarded in finding berry producing bushes. An oddball in the Vaccinium family being an evergreen with Its thick finely toothed small leaves. In Feb-March most of the woody bits are covered in pink and white tight bell like flowers. Pollination is mainly done by bumblebees. Fruit ripen sometime in late July-August. Prefers semi sun; poor soils along forest edges. It can grow fast in the right spot.
- Seed Count: 50-75
- Collection Date: Aug 2024
- Hardiness Zone: 7-9
- Height and Width: 1.5m x +1.5m
- Germination test type: float
- Family: Ericaceae
How to germinate Vaccinum ovatum seeds:
Fill plug tray/pots with a well draining humus rich acidic moist medium. Press firm. Score surface. Sow thinly; mist well for optimum medium-seed contact. Mist daily. Use a clear plastic cover to maintain humidity. Seed need light to germinate. 30 days cold stratification may increase overall germination. Seeds germinate 16 to 21 days after sowing. Give strong indirect light. Mist daily. NEVER let dry. Fibrous root system does not appear to have a tap root. Best to grow in pots then seat out.
