Lingonberry

Profile

Family

Ericaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

0.3 m

Spread

1.5 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

15 years

First yield

after 2 years

Hardiness

zone 4–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

3 – 5.5

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit can be consumed raw or cooked and has a pleasant taste, slightly sour, commonly used in preserves. Some consider it better than cranberries. The flavor improves after frost. Sometimes, two harvests occur in a year. The fruit is around 6 mm in diameter. Leaves can be used to make tea, but it should not be consumed frequently due to the presence of the toxin arbutin.

Medicinal: The plant's leaves possess antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, and cooling qualities. They are gathered and dried in early summer. The mature fruits, whether fresh or dried, are utilized to address diarrhea and alleviate sore throats, coughs, and colds. The juice is suitable for gargling to soothe sore throats.

Other uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and stems, while a purple dye is extracted from the fruit of the plant. It can serve as ground cover, spreading through underground runners. Weeding is crucial in the initial phase, and the recommended planting distance is around 30 cm in all directions.

Growing

Requires moist but well-drained, lime-free soil, preferably rich in peat or a light loamy soil with added leaf litter. Thrives in very acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6, as lime presence can lead to chlorosis. Flourishes in full sun or light shade, with better fruiting in sunny spots. Needs shelter from strong winds. Avoids root disturbance; grows best in pots until transplanted permanently. Occasionally grown for its edible fruits, with various named cultivars available. 'Koralle' stands out for its large, showy berries that persist on the bush throughout winter. The flowers attract bees with their copious nectar. Plants in this genus show remarkable resistance to the honey fungus.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown in a greenhouse during late winter in a substrate without lime, lightly covering them. Stored seeds might need up to 3 months of cold stratification. It's advisable to sow the seeds in a greenhouse right after they mature. When the seedlings reach about 5 cm in height, transfer them to individual pots and let them grow in a slightly shaded area in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant them in their permanent spot in late spring or early summer, after the final expected frosts. For cuttings, take 5-8 cm semi-ripe shoots in August in a cold frame. This process is slow and challenging. Layering should be done in late summer or early autumn, taking 18 months. Divide the runners in spring or early autumn.

Notable

Special features: Requires highly acidic, well-draining soil and shelter from harsh cold winds in heath and peat environments. High-yielding cultivars include 'Koralle' and 'Amemerland'. In some countries, such as Canada and the USA, the yield is significantly higher (Canada 28t/ha, USA 23t/ha). Several varieties can produce fruit twice annually, typically in August and October. The plant is capable of surviving temperatures as low as -50°C when insulated under protective snow.

Origin & habitat

Europe spans from Iceland in the north to the Pyrenees in the south and from Macedonia in the east to Japan in the east.

Unknown in the wild, this plant is among the rarest and most intriguing worldwide.

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