Description

Cranberry- Stevens Red is a renowned selection of American cranberry prized for its heavy crops of large, deep red berries and durable, low-growing mats of fine foliage. Nodding white to pink flowers appear in late spring, followed by fruit that colors richly from late September into October. The tiny, leathery leaves remain evergreen to semi-evergreen, often bronzing to burgundy in cold weather, providing year-round ornamental interest along with superb culinary value.

Suggested Uses

Ideal for edible landscaping, low groundcover in acidic, sandy beds, and container “bog” planters. Excellent on the edges of rain gardens (not in standing water), in pollinator-friendly plantings, and for seasonal décor with its vivid berries. Suitable for coastal gardens and cool-summer regions.

Plant Details

• Botanical NameVaccinium macrocarpon ‘Stevens’ (marketed as Stevens Red)
• Common NameCranberry — Stevens Red
• Size & Growth6–10 in tall; spreads 2–4+ ft via trailing runners; space plants 12–18 in apart for a fruiting mat.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 2–7; requires winter chill for dependable fruiting.
• Foliage TypeEvergreen to semi-evergreen; tiny, leathery leaves that bronze in cold weather.
• Bloom TimeLate spring to early summer; fruit ripens late September–October.
• Growth RateModerate; faster in sandy, acidic media with steady moisture and periodic sand topdressing.
• Light RequirementsFull sun (6–8+ hours) for best flowering and fruit color; tolerates light shade with reduced yield.
• Attracts PollinatorsAttractive to native bees and hoverflies; good nectar source in late spring.
• Indoor FriendlyNot suitable indoors; needs strong sun, cool nights, and winter chill outdoors.
• Container FriendlyYes—thrives in wide, deep containers (at least 14–18 in diameter) with acidic, peat-heavy media kept evenly moist.
• Deer ResistantGenerally deer-resistant due to leathery foliage and low habit; protect young plants where browsing pressure is high.
• Pet WarningNon-toxic; berries are edible. Large amounts may cause digestive upset in pets—offer only as an occasional treat.
• FragrantFlowers are not notably fragrant; grown for fruit and foliage color.
• Cut FlowerNot a traditional cut flower; berries and clipped sprigs are lovely in autumn/winter arrangements.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Lingonberry, Bog Rosemary, Heathers/Heaths, Sphagnum moss, fine Sedges—acidic, sandy, moist conditions.

Note: ‘Stevens’ is a widely planted, high-yield cultivar selected from McFarlin × Potter—excellent fruit quality and color.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Prepare a 6–8 in deep bed of peat moss blended with coarse sand; target pH 4.0–5.5. Space 12–18 in. Set crown at soil surface and water thoroughly to settle.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist to wet—never bone dry. Aim for constant moisture with good oxygenation; mulch with pine needles to conserve and cool the root zone.
• Soil TypeAcidic, low-fertility, sandy/peaty medium. Blend ~60–70% peat moss, 20–30% coarse sand, 10–20% fine bark; avoid lime and hard (alkaline) irrigation water.
• HumidityHandles high humidity well; ensure airflow to reduce leaf spot. Mulch helps buffer heat and moisture swings in summer.
• Pruning InstructionsAfter harvest or late winter, shear or pinch long runners to thicken the mat. Keep fruiting uprights 4–6 in; thin congested patches every 2–3 years to renew vigor.
• Winter CareHardy to about −30°F (−34°C). In very cold/windy sites, apply 2–3 in pine needle mulch after ground freezes. Protect containers by heeling in or storing in an unheated garage; remove mulch in spring.
• Planting DepthSet the crown level with the surface; do not bury it. For cuttings, insert 2–3 nodes below the surface with the top node at or just above the medium.
• FertilizationLight feeder. In spring, apply a modest dose of acid-forming fertilizer (e.g., ammonium sulfate or balanced 10-10-10 at 0.5–1 oz per plant). Avoid high N; stop feeding by midsummer. Use chelated iron if leaves yellow from high pH.
• Special CareNet plants to deter birds as fruit colors. Top-dress with 0.5–1 in clean sand every 1–2 years to root new runners. Monitor pH; amend with elemental sulfur as needed. Ensure drainage to avoid stagnant water and root rot.

Tip: Full sun and consistent moisture are the two biggest keys to heavy crops and rich berry color.