How big does Cranberry grow?

About 20 cm × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 10–30 cm × 0.3–2 m.

What soil does Cranberry grow in?

It tolerates these soils: acidic.

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Cranberry be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Cranberry flower?

Flowering: May–July, pink, white.

How much water does Cranberry need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a fruit plant that reaches 20 cm × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about PLN 10.

Illustration of Cranberry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, evergreen dwarf shrub whose creeping shoots knit into a mat and which ripens large, red, tart berries in autumn; it is self-fertile, so a single plant crops. To put it plainly: it will not survive in ordinary, limy garden soil. It lives only in acidic (around pH 4 to 5), constantly moist peaty compost, so plant it in a separate peat bed lined off from the surrounding soil or in a container, and water it with rainwater. It is happiest in a coolish, humid spot in sun or light shade, and its tiny leaves turn bronze-purple for winter.

Watch out for

In the typically limy, alkaline garden soils of Central Europe, and when watered with hard tap water, it soon turns yellow (iron chlorosis), struggles and dies; the pH of the peat mix rises over time because of the surrounding soil and the irrigation water, so it has to be topped up or acidified. It copes badly with hot, dry summers: it roots shallowly, cannot stand drying out and scorches in fierce sun, so mulch it and water regularly. It dislikes being transplanted.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: High
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, pink, white

All details

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	10–30 cm × 0.3–2 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–July, pink, white
Harvest	September–October
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	High
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about PLN 10

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 10

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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