Vaccinium macrocarpon is a beautiful small evergreen shrub that produces the well-known cranberries. Cranberries are small, round, red fruits that are very healthy. When raw, they are quite sour, but when processed into compote or jam, they are delicious to eat. The plant is extremely resilient and thrives well in large pots on balconies or terraces. The cranberry blooms in May or June with white flowers, followed by the berries. The cranberries can be harvested and consumed around August.

Care
It is best to plant cranberries in acidic, well-moistened soil. Drought is catastrophic for cranberries, so the soil can occasionally be flooded. Originally, cranberries grew in moist peat bogs, swamps, and dune areas. The plant also tolerates a salty climate quite well. If you plant Vaccinium in your garden, it is advisable to space them 10 x 10 cm apart. This way, the plants will form a good ground cover, and weeds will have little chance to grow. Cranberries require very little maintenance. The plant does not need additional fertilizer. Every few years, you can prune the plants back in March. This promotes growth and ensures a good harvest.