Red Candy Lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Red Candy' (PBR)
ABOUT
Red Candy is a visually appealing variety of lingonberry known for its decorative qualities. This charming plant boasts a dense, compact growth habit with glossy, evergreen leaves that maintain their luscious dark green hue throughout the year. The leaves are small and oval-shaped with a slight curl at the edges, giving it a refined and neat appearance. In spring and early summer, Red Candy is adorned with delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are a pretty pale pink color. These blossoms add a soft, subtle contrast against the dark foliage, giving the plant an ornamental charm. Following the flowering period, the plant produces attractive, bright red berries. The berries of Red Candy are small, round, and have a shiny surface, resembling tiny jewels nestled among the leaves. They not only add a splash of vibrant color to the plant but also can be a delightful visual treat in a garden setting, catching the eye of onlookers. The contrast between the red berries and the green leaves creates a stunning visual display. Overall, Red Candy has a lush, bushy appearance, and its combination of evergreen foliage, lovely flowers, and colorful berries makes it a valuable addition to gardens for year-round interest. It has a robust and hardy nature, ensuring it can be a joy to gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Red Candy Lingonberry, Partridgeberry, Cowberry, Foxberry, Mountain Cranberry, Red Whortleberry, Bearberry.
Common names
Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Red Candy' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Lingonberry is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, the berries of the Vaccinium vitis-idaea are edible and often used in various cuisines. The leaves have also been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. Consuming any part of this plant is unlikely to lead to poisoning in humans.
To pets
The Lingonberry plant is not typically considered toxic to pets either. Pets that ingest parts of this plant are not expected to display symptoms of poisoning. However, as with any non-food item, if a pet consumes a large amount of the plant, they may experience gastrointestinal upset or other issues due to the unusual item in their diet. Generally, ingesting this plant should not cause any serious consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Berries: The 'Red Candy' produces vibrant red berries that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Ornamental Foliage: Its evergreen leaves offer year-round interest and texture in garden settings.
- Low Maintenance: This variety is known for its hardiness and low maintenance needs, which makes it suitable for a broad range of gardeners.
- Compact Growth: Its compact and tidy growth habit makes it ideal for small gardens, borders, and containers.
- Cold Tolerant: The plant is very cold hardy, making it a suitable choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Wildlife Friendly: The berries provide a food source for birds and other wildlife during fall and winter.
- Long Fruiting Season: It has a long fruiting season, providing visual interest for an extended period.
- Good Ground Cover: Its spreading nature makes it useful for ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, requiring less watering.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant effects: Lingonberry contains high levels of antioxidants, which may help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals, possibly lowering the risk of certain chronic diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The bioactive compounds found in lingonberry might have anti-inflammatory effects that can contribute to the alleviation of inflammation-related conditions.
- Urinary tract health: Similar to cranberries, lingonberries contain substances that may prevent the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary tract lining, which could help in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Cardiovascular benefits: There is some evidence that lingonberry may support heart health by improving blood lipid profiles and blood pressure.
- Gastrointestinal health: The fiber and other components in lingonberry can contribute to a healthy gastrointestinal system by aiding digestion and possibly preventing constipation.
- Antimicrobial activity: Lingonberry may possess antimicrobial properties that could help fight off certain bacteria and fungi.
- Blood sugar regulation: Some studies suggest that lingonberry might help in the regulation of blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for individuals with or at risk of diabetes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lingonberry's leaves can be used to make a natural dye for textiles, giving a range of colors from yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
- The berries of the lingonberry can be fermented to produce a traditional Nordic wine or fruit beer, offering an alternative to grape wines.
- Fresh or dried lingonberries can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for a forest-like aroma and a splash of color in home decoration.
- Lingonberry plants can be employed in landscape design as ground cover to add visual interest due to their evergreen nature and red berries.
- Crushed lingonberries can be used as a natural wood stain, providing a subtle reddish hue to unfinished wood surfaces.
- The berries can be used in candle making, as their juice can add color and a slight fruity fragrance to the wax.
- Pressed lingonberry leaves and flowers can be used in botanical art, such as creating herbarium sheets or decorative framed pieces.
- Lingonberry syrup, made from the berries, can be used as a flavoring agent in homemade sodas or cocktail mixers.
- When boiled, the berries release pectin, which can be used as a natural thickener in jams, jellies, and sauces, beyond traditional lingonberry preserves.
- Lingonberry plants can be included in sensory gardens for their tactile foliage and the seasonal interest of their blooms and berries.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLingonberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLingonberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Survival and Adaptability: Vaccinium vitis-idaea, commonly known as Lingonberry, often grows in harsh, cold climates, symbolizing the ability to survive and adapt to difficult conditions.
- Evergreen Nature: As an evergreen plant, the Lingonberry represents immortality and eternal life, remaining green throughout the year.
- Renewal and Rejuvenation: With its regular cycles of fruiting, the Lingonberry is a symbol of renewal and the promise of new growth and rejuvenation.
- Health and Vitality: The berries of the Lingonberry are known for their nutritional value and health benefits, symbolizing health and vitality.
- Protection and Safety: In some cultures, Lingonberry plants are thought to have protective qualities, warding off evil and ensuring safety.
WaterLingonberry 'Red Candy' requires consistently moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may mean watering once or twice a week, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. During the growing season, you might need approximately one gallon of water per plant every week, but always check the soil moisture level before watering. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. It's crucial to water the plant at its base, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
LightLingonberry 'Red Candy' prefers full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. A spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for this plant. However, if you are in a particularly hot and sunny climate, providing some afternoon shade will help prevent the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureLingonberry 'Red Candy' is a hardy plant that thrives in cooler temperatures and can tolerate a range from 20°F to 75°F. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. These plants are accustomed to a colder climate and can survive temperatures down to -10°F, making them suitable for northern gardens.
PruningPrune Lingonberry 'Red Candy' to remove dead or damaged wood and to encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, and it is also a good time to thin out any dense areas to improve air circulation within the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Lingonberry 'Red Candy', the best soil mix is one that mimics its natural woodland habitat: well-draining, rich in organic matter and acidic with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A mix of peat moss, sand, and pine bark or needles can achieve this, ensuring proper aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingLingonberry 'Red Candy' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's less about the pot size and more about soil condition, as Lingonberries are relatively slow growers.
Humidity & MistingThe best humidity level for Lingonberry 'Red Candy' is moderate to high, typically between 40-60%. Maintaining consistent humidity helps mimic the moist conditions of their native environments, without the need to overwater.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in acidic soil, bright indirect light, and maintain humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, acidic soil, keep moist, protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleVaccinium vitis-idaea 'Red Candy' (PBR), commonly known as Lingonberry, starts its life cycle with seed germination occurring in a cool, moist environment, typically in spring. After germination, the plant enters the seedling stage, where it establishes roots and begins to produce its first set of true leaves, gradually maturing into a young plant. During its vegetative growth phase, the Lingonberry spreads through rhizomes and develops a woody stem, evergreen leaves, and a compact bushy form. The reproductive stage follows, with the appearance of small pink flowers in late spring or early summer, which, after pollination, leads to the development of the characteristic red berries. These berries ripen by late summer or early fall, becoming a food source for wildlife and allowing for seed dispersal for the next generation. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter, where growth pauses until conditions become favorable in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Red Candy Vaccinium, commonly known as Lingonberry, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is typically carried out during the late summer months when the plant's new growth has begun to harden slightly. To propagate via semi-hardwood cuttings, one should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut sections that are approximately 4 to 6 inches long. The cuttings should have a few leaves left at the top and the lower leaves removed. It's advised to dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mix and ensuring consistent moisture. The cuttings are usually kept under a humidity dome or in a greenhouse environment to maintain high humidity and prevent drying out until the roots have formed. This process can take several weeks, during which time the cuttings should be checked regularly for root development and any signs of growth.
