RedCrocus Vaccinium moupinense Live Plant - Evergreen Shade-Tolerant Ericaceous Shrub for Containers & Woodland Borders, Wildlife-Friendly Flowers & Berries 2 Gallon Nursery Pot
RedCrocus Vaccinium moupinense Live Plant - Evergreen Shade-Tolerant Ericaceous Shrub for Containers & Woodland Borders, Wildlife-Friendly Flowers & Berries 2 Gallon Nursery Pot
SKU:berf225-redcrocus
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Vaccinium moupinense
Elegant, low-growing blueberry relative for dappled woodland shade — glossy foliage, urn-shaped blossoms, and bird-friendly berries.
Description
Vaccinium moupinense (often called the Moupin blueberry/huckleberry) is a refined, low to medium-height evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub from the mountains of western China. It forms arching, spreading mounds clothed in small, glossy leaves that can bronze or blush reddish in cool weather. In late spring, clusters of dainty, urn-shaped white to soft pink flowers dangle beneath the shoots, followed by small blue-black berries that attract birds and benefit local pollinators. Ideal for woodland edges, heather gardens, and containers with acidic compost, it brings year-round texture and subtle seasonal interest.
Note: Characteristics may vary slightly by provenance and climate; details below reflect typical horticultural guidance for the species.
Plant Details
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Botanical NameVaccinium Moupinense
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Common NameVaccinium Moupinense
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Size & GrowthTypically 1–3 ft tall x 2–4 ft wide; low, arching, spreading habit; slow to moderate growth.
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Hardiness ZonesUSDA 6–8 (with protection in colder sites); thrives in cool summers with consistent moisture.
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Foliage TypeEvergreen to semi-evergreen; small, glossy elliptic leaves that can bronze to reddish in winter chill.
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Bloom TimeLate spring to early summer; urn-shaped white to pale pink blossoms in clusters.
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Growth RateSlow to moderate; best performance with steady moisture and organic mulches.
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Light RequirementsPartial shade to dappled light; morning sun with afternoon shade preferred. More sun tolerated in cool climates if soil stays moist.
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Attracts PollinatorsYes — bees and bumblebees visit the bell-shaped flowers; berries attract birds later in the season.
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Indoor FriendlyNot recommended indoors; needs outdoor conditions and winter chill to thrive.
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Container FriendlyYes — excels in wide, shallow containers with acidic, peat-free ericaceous mix and excellent drainage.
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Deer ResistantNo — deer may browse foliage and shoots; protect where pressure is high.
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Pet WarningGenerally non-toxic to pets (Vaccinium berries are edible); avoid ingestion of fertilizers or large quantities of foliage.
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FragrantLight, delicate scent in warm weather; not a strongly fragrant shrub.
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Cut FlowerOccasional — small flowering sprays add a woodland touch to petite arrangements.
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Grows Well WithGrows Well With Rhododendron, Azalea, Pieris, Kalmia, Gaultheria, Erica/Calluna, ferns, dwarf conifers, Helleborus, and other acid-loving companions.
Care Tips
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Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall in partial shade. Tease circling roots, set the crown level with the soil, and amend the backfill with pine bark fines and composted leaf mold. Space 24–36 in apart and mulch 2–3 in with pine needles or bark—keep mulch off the stems.
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Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Deep water during dry spells; in hard-water areas, use collected rainwater to maintain acidity and avoid leaf chlorosis.
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Soil TypeAcidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil (ideal pH 4.5–5.8). Sandy loam or amended clay with ample organic matter; avoid lime and alkaline conditions.
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HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is sufficient; shelter from drying winds. In containers, group plants to raise local humidity during heat waves.
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Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. After fruiting or in late winter, remove dead/diseased wood and the oldest stems at the base every 3–4 years to encourage fresh growth; tip-prune lightly for shape only.
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Winter CareMulch root zone before hard freezes. Protect from harsh, drying winds and avoid waterlogged sites. In containers, move to a sheltered, unheated spot and water sparingly—do not let the rootball fully dry out.
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Planting DepthSet the top of the root ball level with surrounding soil; never bury the woody stems. Leave 1–2 in headspace in containers for mulch and watering.
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FertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer for rhododendrons/azaleas or organic cottonseed meal. Avoid high-phosphorus products and do not lime. Stop feeding by midsummer.
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Special CareMonitor soil pH annually; correct yellowing leaves (iron chlorosis) with chelated iron if needed. Maintain a consistent mulch layer, protect flowers from late frosts, and net shrubs if you wish to keep berries from birds.
This page uses general cultivation guidance for Vaccinium moupinense; adapt watering and exposure to your local climate and soil.