Cascade Sunburst Huckleberry is a compact evergreen shrub bred for the Pacific Northwest's cool, maritime climate. This Vaccinium ovatum cultivar grows as a neat, upright bush reaching 4 feet tall and wide, producing ornamental red foliage alongside small summer flowers that attract pollinators from June through August. Hardy in zones 5-9 and naturally frost-tolerant, it thrives in acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) and adapts to both full sun and shade, making it equally at home in coastal gardens or shaded woodland edges.
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5-9
4in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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The combination of year-round evergreen foliage with vibrant red leaf coloring and summer pollinator-friendly flowers gives this huckleberry dual appeal as both an ornamental and ecological asset. Its compact, naturally tidy growth habit means minimal pruning, while the cold hardiness and tolerance for maritime conditions make it exceptionally reliable in regions where many berries struggle. Self-fertile but more productive with a companion evergreen huckleberry nearby, it's a thoughtful choice for gardeners seeking plants that support native bees while handling challenging coastal environments.
Cascade Sunburst serves primarily as an ornamental and bee-friendly landscape plant rather than a food crop. Its red foliage provides year-round visual interest, while the summer flowers and eventual berries support pollinators and wildlife, making it valuable in gardens designed to nourish native bees and other insects.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors at temperatures between 60-70°F. Sow on the surface or just barely covered in acidic seed-starting mix, maintaining moisture until germination.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the last frost in spring. Space plants at least 4 feet apart to accommodate mature width. Ensure soil is acidic (pH 4.5-5.5) and well-draining before planting.
Cascade Sunburst's naturally neat, upright form requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged wood in early spring, and lightly shape the plant if needed to maintain its tidy appearance. Avoid heavy pruning, as this variety develops its characteristic form with little intervention.
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