Vaccinium cylindraceum (Azores blueberry)

Botanical name

Vaccinium cylindraceum

Other names

Azores blueberry

Genus

Vaccinium Vaccinium

Species

V. cylindraceum - V. cylindraceum is a decidious shrub forming bright, finely toothed leaves and pale yellow flowers from pink buds followed by blue-black berries.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Habit

Erect

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Pink, Yellow in Summer; Yellow, Pink in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Foot and root rot

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Vaccinium cylindraceum (Azores blueberry) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Woodland

Cultivation

Plant in moist, free-draining acidic soil in sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Vaccinium cylindraceum (Azores blueberry)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa (all other strains and subspecies)

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range and many sub-species and strains; including those that could thrive in cooler climates; showing different levels of pathogenicity. Although EU regulated; there is some concern about the risk of introduction. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Vaccinium cylindraceum (Azores blueberry)

Common pest name

leaf rust of blueberry

Scientific pest name

Thekopsora minima

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Rust fungus affecting blueberry and hemlock. This fungus has been detected in Europe (Germany; Netherlands and Portugal). Some uncertainty about the suitability of UK native host species. But the case for regulation should be considered based on the EPPO PRA.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Vaccinium cylindraceum (Azores blueberry)

Common pest name

A dagger nematode

Scientific pest name

Xiphinema rivesi

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest which is also a virus vector. Present in a number of European countries; but not detected in the UK; although may have been present in soil attached to plants imported to the UK. No evidence of significant damage seen elsewhere in Europe.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/