Vaccinium Red Candy, our February Plant of the Month

Vaccinium Red Candy (Also known as Lingon berry or Cowberry) has clusters of pink flushed white bell shaped flowers which rely heavily on bees to pollinate them. The white flowers are followed by gorgeous, shiny red berries from mid-late summer.

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These berries have a tart flavour , and can be harvested and eaten straight away. If you have a sweet tooth try crushing them up with a bit of sugar , or cooked and sweetened to make a jam! The cowberry crop is very reliable; you are guaranteed to get berries every year. Harvest the berries very quickly after ripening before the birds get them.

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Cowberries are a low-growing, evergreen shrub which spreads by underground stems to make a wonderful lush green clump about 30cm high. Originating from the arctic this plant is incredibly robust and will withstand temperatures of – 40oc !

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The cowberry prefers full sun and moist but free draining soil. It will grow in sandy or normal soil. Being an ericaceous or acid loving plant mix plenty of ericaceous or brown gold compost into the hole when planting. Feed with sequestrene iron or any good ericaceous plant food. Available at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion, Wicklow for €9.99

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Here is a recipe for Cowberry Jam

Here is a recipe for Cowberry Cake

Enjoy!

Best wishes, Justin Smith, Horticulturalist at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion