Koralle Lingonberry is a frost-hardy evergreen groundcover from the Ericaceae family that produces bright red, cranberry-like berries in zones 4 through 8. These Scandinavian favorites deliver delicious small fruits perfect for sauces, jellies, and cooking, with an attractive, low-growing habit that makes them as ornamental as they are productive. Koralle thrives in acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5) with moderate moisture and adapts well to cooler regions where most berry crops struggle.
—
Moderate
4-8
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Koralle produces small, jewel-bright red berries on an attractive evergreen groundcover that earns its place in the garden both for looks and flavor. Unlike many berry-producing plants, it's hardy enough for zone 4 winters and compact enough for containers, especially when the sunny side is protected from harsh exposure. Scandinavian gardeners have long cherished this variety for its reliable production and the ease with which it transforms into preserves and cooking ingredients, yet it remains underutilized in American gardens despite thriving in cooler climates.
Koralle's tart, cranberry-like berries excel in preserves, jellies, and sauces, lending their distinctive flavor to both sweet and savory preparations. They're equally at home stewed, cooked into compotes, or folded into baked goods. The evergreen foliage adds year-round ornamental value to the garden, making the plant valuable as both a productive and decorative groundcover.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Seeds germinate best between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last spring frost, sowing on the soil surface or barely covering. Maintain consistent moisture and temperatures in that range until seedlings emerge.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for the spreading groundcover habit. Transplant into acidic soil amended with peat moss or sulfur to achieve the required pH range.
Pick berries when they turn a deep, glossy red, typically in late summer. They should feel slightly soft when ripe but still firm enough to pick without crushing. The low-growing habit makes harvesting straightforward, and the berries can be gathered by hand as they ripen over several weeks.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.