By Kimberly Johnson
The lingonberry shrub (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is an evergreen plant that produces small, red, edible berries. It is a close relative of the cranberry and also goes by the names “foxberry” and “cowberry”. Northern gardeners will be especially interested in how to grow lingonberries because of this shrub’s beauty, cold tolerance, and value as a food source for people and wildlife.
Lingonberries are often used as an ornamental in the home landscape and dense plantings create a nice groundcover. Unfortunately, while the plants are cold tolerant, they are not heat tolerant. For this reason, lingonberry shrubs grow best in USDA growing zones 2 through 6. Learning to grow lingonberries is not a difficult task. Once the shrubs become established, they require very little care in order to thrive and produce abundant berries.
Selecting a Growing Site for Lingonberry
Lingonberry bushes require full sunlight to produce the best berries. However, if you are planting the bush only as an ornamental, it can also thrive in partial shade. Before planting, use a soil pH tester to ensure that the pH is at 4.5-5, which is slightly acidic. In general, lingonberries do well near pine trees, rhododendrons, azaleas and blueberries which all thrive in acidic soil.
Planting Lingonberry Bushes
Plant lingonberry bushes at the same depth as the plastic pot they are grown in at the nursery or garden center. Position each bush at least 12” (30cm) apart so that they do not become crowded as they mature. After planting, water the soil deeply just as with any new plant. However, allow the soil to dry out completely in between watering, as soggy soil will cause the shrub to deteriorate. In most locations, average rainfall patterns will provide all the moisture that is needed to grow lingonberries.
Grow Lingonberries in a Pot
You can also grow lingonberries in a pot as long as you provide the right soil. Since these plants thrive in acidic, well-draining soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, consider using a potting mix designed for acid-loving plants. Soils formulated for growing blueberries or azaleas would be ideal, and you can amend it further with peat moss and perlite to enhance drainage.
Selecting the proper container is equally important. When deciding what size pot for a lingonberry plant, go for one that is at least 12-14” (30-35cm) in diameter and has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. This ensures your plant has adequate space for root growth while preventing water from accumulating at the roots.
Watering a potted lingonberry does require some attention: keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Lingonberries do not tolerate drought or waterlogged conditions well. During hot weather or when your plant is fruiting, check moisture levels more frequently. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Winter Tips for Potted Lingonberry Plants
Even cold-tolerant plants are more vulnerable in the winter when growing in pots. Unless the roots are well-insulated, they are at higher risk of freezing. Here are ways to keep your potted lingonberry safe through the winter months:
- Place the pot in an unheated garage, shed, or against a sheltered wall to protect it from harsh winds and extreme cold.
- If you keep the plant outdoors, you could place it inside a larger container filled with straw or mulch to create insulation.
- No matter where you store your plant it can be helpful to wrap the pot with burlap, bubble wrap, or layers of newspaper for insulation.
- Add 2-4” (5-10cm) of mulch (pine needles, bark chips) on top of the soil to help insulate roots. Water well before freezing temperatures arrive but avoid waterlogged soil over winter.
Fertilizing and Pruning Lingonberries
To fertilize the bushes, apply a balanced fertilizer in either liquid or granular form as soon as flowers appear in the spring. Repeat the application in 30 days and then avoid fertilizing for the remainder of the season. Fertilizer should be applied annually to maintain vigorous growth and an abundance of berries.
You do not need to prune lingonberry bushes unless they begin to look thin or overgrown, which typically does not occur until around the third or fourth year. Once this occurs, prune the bush back to 3” (7cm) above the ground in the early spring. Do not worry about this severe pruning, as the bushes will regrow rapidly and still produce fruit.
Harvesting Lingonberries
Lingonberry bushes flower over a long season, producing small white to pink, bell-shaped flowers in the spring.
The berries usually ripen in late summer although it is possible to still be harvesting fruit into early fall. The berries can be picked when they are deep red and indent slightly when squeezed. Unlike other types of berries, lingonberries must be refrigerated immediately after picking if you do not plan to eat them immediately. The lingonberry’s tart flavor is very popular for making into jams, jellies, sauces, and juicing.
Growing Berry Bushes
Many berries fall into the category of “superfoods” because of their exceptional nutritional value and high level of antioxidants. Growing your own berries is a great way to try varieties that may be difficult to find at the market or grocery store because they are not widely grown commercially. High yields in a small amount of space. See our list of Uncommon Berry Bushes for Home Gardeners to discover other berry shrubs you might like to grow and experience their unique flavors.
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