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Vaccinium vitis-idaea FIREBALLS Lirome

Vaccinium vitis-idaea FIREBALLS 'Lirome'
Lingonberry, Cowberry

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Arrived safely this morning, beautiful little flower already blooming in the box upside down, thankfully not broken and already potted.

Bernadette, 02/05/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
The Vaccinium vitis-idaea Fireballs, or lingonberry bush, is a charming small bush forming a low and spreading clump. In spring, it produces numerous white bells that will later give edible and highly decorative red fruits. Thriving in moist and acidic soil, it is ideal for a shady flowerbed or in a pot.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
30 cm
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Best planting time October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

The Vaccinium vitis-idaea Fireballs, or lingonberry, is a charming small bush forming a low, spread-out tuft. In spring, it produces numerous white bells that will later give edible and highly decorative red fruits. Being fond of fresh and acidic soils, it is perfect for a shady flower bed or in a pot.

 

The lingonberry Fireballs belongs to the large family of Ericaceae (which includes rhododendrons, heathers, and andromedas in particular). The lingonberry, as it is also called, resembles the true blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) but it is easy to distinguish it by its leaves, which are tougher and thicker, dark green and shiny on top. It is also a close cousin of the cranberry. The lingonberry is an evergreen shrub, with a dense, low, and rather spread-out habit, which can be found in Europe up to 2400 m (7874 ft) altitude, on cold heathlands battered by the winds, or in dry peat bogs. Between April and May, it produces small, very honey-rich white bells. These flowers then give way in late summer to vivid red, globular fruits, resembling small cherries about 1 cm (0.4 in) in size, which are edible: their tangy taste will delight those who love "small fruits".

The Fireballs variety stands out for its long and early flowering, and its particularly abundant fruiting, with larger fruits than the wild type. It will reach about 30 cm (11.8 in) in height and 60 cm (23.6 in) in diameter under favourable conditions.

Like most plants in the Vaccinium genus, the lingonberry Fireballs appreciates well-drained, fresh (even moist), and acidic soils, fairly rich, in shade, partial shade, or light sun. It does not tolerate limestone soil, where it quickly shows signs of chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves). On the other hand, it is absolutely not afraid of extreme cold, and can withstand -30°C (-22 °F) without any problems. Light pruning is possible in spring, but it is often not really necessary.

Plant it alongside other plants of the same genus (Vaccinium: wild blueberry, American blueberry...) for a delicious undergrowth, as well as a ground cover with other plants that grow in acidic soil like rhododendrons, andromedas (Pieris), Japanese maples, or even the crenate holly. It is also easy to grow in pots, add structure and elegance to your balcony or terrace!

 

Vaccinium vitis-idaea FIREBALLS Lirome in pictures

Vaccinium vitis-idaea FIREBALLS Lirome (Foliage) Foliage
Vaccinium vitis-idaea FIREBALLS Lirome (Plant habit) Plant habit
Vaccinium vitis-idaea FIREBALLS Lirome (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Habit spreading
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 1 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour red

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Vaccinium

Species

vitis-idaea

Cultivar

FIREBALLS 'Lirome'

Family

Ericaceae

Other common names

Lingonberry, Cowberry

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference1008921

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Available to order
From €0.79 Bare root

Planting and care

Like most plants in the Vaccinium genus, the Fireballs red cranberry appreciates well-drained, moist (or even wet) acidic soils, fairly rich, in shade, partial shade, or light sunlight. It withers in limestone soil, where it quickly shows signs of chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves). However, it does not fear extreme cold and can withstand -30°C (-22 °F) without any problems. Light pruning to thicken up the bush is possible in spring, but it is often not really necessary.

Planting period

Best planting time October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, well-drained, fresh, rich

Care

Pruning instructions Prune if necessary in early spring to thicken up the bush.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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