Cranberry

The Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a hardy, low-growing shrub that produces small, bright red berries known for their tart flavor and exceptional health benefits. Often used in juices, sauces, and jams, cranberries are a popular addition to both culinary and gardens. These berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. Cranberry plants thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and can be grown in garden beds, boggy areas, or even containers, making them a versatile and rewarding addition to your garden.

Features & Specifications:

• Scientific Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
• Common Name: Cranberry, American Cranberry
• Plant Type: , evergreen shrub
• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading ground cover
• Fruit Type: Small, red, tart berries
• Mature Height: 6-12 inches
• Mature Spread: 12-24 inches
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Acidic, well-drained, moist soil
• Planting Depth: 1 inch
• Germination Time: 2-3 weeks
• Hardiness Zone: 3-8 (Cold to temperate climates)
• Uses: Fresh fruit, juice, jams, health benefits, sauces
• Unique Features: High in antioxidants, vitamin C, low-growing and easy to harvest

Whether you're looking to add healthful berries to your diet or simply want to grow a unique, beautiful shrub in your garden, the Cranberry is the perfect choice. With its vibrant red fruit, this plant provides year-round interest and multiple harvests of tart berries that can be enjoyed fresh or turned into a variety of delicious products. Start growing your own Cranberry plants today and enjoy the delicious and nutritious fruit from your own garden!

American Cranberrybush Seeds (Viburnum trilobum)

The American Cranberrybush is a striking, hardy shrub that brings year-round interest to the garden with its white spring flowers, vibrant red berries, and colorful fall foliage. Known for its edible berries and wildlife-friendly nature, this perennial shrub is an excellent choice for creating natural borders, hedges, or for use in wildlife and rain gardens. It thrives in both sun and partial shade and is a low-maintenance plant that is hardy in various climates.

Key Benefits

Edible Berries
The red berries of the American Cranberrybush are not only decorative but also edible. They are rich in vitamin C and can be used to make jams, jellies, sauces, and even wines, offering both beauty and culinary benefits.

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife
Its fragrant white flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the berries feed birds throughout the fall and winter months. The dense foliage also provides shelter for small wildlife.

Seasonal Beauty
In spring, the plant is adorned with clusters of white flowers, followed by red berries in summer. In the fall, the leaves turn a deep purple or red, providing stunning seasonal color that lasts well into winter.

Low Maintenance
Once established, the American Cranberrybush requires minimal care. It is drought-tolerant, resistant to pests, and adaptable to various soil types. This hardy plant thrives in both wet and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for diverse landscapes.

Versatile Landscape Use
Perfect for hedges, borders, and privacy screens, the American Cranberrybush adds beauty to gardens, parks, or as a backdrop for flower beds. It can also be grown as a specimen plant or in wildlife-friendly gardens.

How to Plant American Cranberrybush Seeds

Planting Season

• Best Time to Plant: Start seeds indoors in late winter or early spring or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. It’s also ideal to plant in the fall.

Seed Preparation

• Cold Stratification: Cranberrybush seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy. Store the seeds in a moist paper towel in the refrigerator for about 30 days before planting.

Planting Instructions

• Depth: Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 12-18 inches apart to accommodate the plant’s mature size. For hedges, space them 3-5 feet apart.
• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, but it adapts well to various soil types, including moist and heavy clay soils.

Watering and Care

Watering Needs

• Germination: Keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Once established, the plant is fairly drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
• Established Plants: Water regularly, especially during hot summer months, to encourage healthy growth and berry production.

Fertilizer

• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. Organic compost is also a great option.

Pruning

• Pruning: Trim back the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.

Hardiness Zones

• Hardy in USDA zones 2-7, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

Perfect For

• Edible Gardens: The berries are edible and can be used in cooking and baking, making this shrub perfect for your edible garden.
• Wildlife Gardens: Its berries feed birds, and its flowers attract pollinators, making it an essential plant for any wildlife-friendly garden.
• Privacy Screens and Hedges: Its dense growth makes it ideal for creating natural screens or hedges.
• Rain Gardens: This shrub is perfect for areas that experience wet conditions, such as near ponds or in low-lying garden areas.

Recommended Coverage

A packet of American Cranberrybush Seeds contains enough seeds to cover a small garden area or to plant multiple shrubs. This plant can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it perfect for adding structure and color to larger landscapes.

Add Beauty and Functionality to Your Garden

With its ornamental beauty, edible berries, and wildlife benefits, the American Cranberrybush is a fantastic choice for gardens of all sizes. Order your seeds today and start cultivating this hardy, versatile plant in your landscape!