Vaccinium vitis-idaea Koralle - Bilberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Koralle' is a red berry shrub known for its high fruit-bearing capacity. Growing slowly, it forms a spreading cushion that is adorned in spring with pretty small flowers in pinkish white, nicely complemented by the dark green evergreen foliage. Self-fertile, they then develop into very decorative bright red fruits from late summer onwards. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they can be eaten fresh or processed into jams or desserts. This very hardy Vaccinium like the blueberry grows in acidic, moist soil, under light shade and can also be grown in a pot when soil conditions are unsuitable.

The cowberry belongs to the Ericaceae family, which includes many ornamental genera, such as Rhododendrons, Heathers or Kalmias, and also some plants with fruits that are both ornamental and edible, such as Blueberries or Strawberry Trees. Vaccinium vitis-idae, or Cowberry, is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, growing in coniferous forests and on heathlands covered with dwarf shrubs that thrive on acidic and humus-rich soils, in humid climate zones. It is very hardy and found in the Alps up to an altitude of 3000 m. This dwarf shrub has a low, spreading habit, extending through underground rhizomes. 
The 'Koralle' cultivar is a Dutch selection from 1969 credited to H. Van der Smit. This slow-growing shrub forms a cushion reaching a maximum height of 20 to 30 cm, with a spread of 40 to 60 cm over time. The fine, shallow roots, with few branches, produce suckers that allow the plant to spread. The branches are adorned with small, elliptical dark green, 2 to 3 cm long leaves, shiny on the upper side and lighter underneath. They are evergreen and form an ornamental vegetation that serves as a backdrop for both the flowering and the subsequent fruits. In May-June, clusters of small pinkish-white, bell-shaped, 5 to 7 mm long flowers bloom. They are reminiscent of lily of the valley, with fused petals, called a gamopetalous corolla, which is the general rule among Ericaceae. This first flowering, which occurs on the previous year's wood, is often followed by a second in August, this time on the current year's growth. This nectar-rich flowering is also ornamental. It is followed by a spherical to slightly ovoid, small fruits measuring 0.8 to 1 mm in diameter and 1 to 1.2 mm in length, a particularly attractive bright red. These berries are abundant on 'Koralle', which is probably one of the most fruitful varieties, and truly enhanced by the dark foliage. They are also edible and can be eaten fresh, cooked in desserts, or used to make jams or jellies, with their tangy flavour mellowing slightly. Low in calories and high in nutritional value, this small fruit can also accompany game.

Ornamental and fruit-bearing, Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Koralle' will find a place on the edge of an acidic soil plant bed. Plant it alongside other Ericaceae to create vegetation tiers. A Pieris japonica 'Little Heath', a small Japanese Andromeda with charming green foliage variegated with white and spring shoots in pink, will fit just behind, reaching 60 cm in height. In the second row, opt for taller shrubs like the magnificent Mountain Laurels, or Kalmias, often overlooked despite their dazzling flowering in May-June. In the background, choose large Rhododendrons, such as Rhododendron catawbiense 'Grandiflorum' with large light lilac flowers. If you have enough space, add a Betula nigra 'Heritage', a medium-sized Birch whose magnificent bark will enhance your bed in winter. And if your soil is not suitable for planting these types of plants, console yourself by placing your Cowberry in a lovely pot, on the terrace, within easy reach of the kitchen...