Lingonberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea 'Koralle'

fruit

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea Koralle) is a low, spreading, evergreen groundcover shrub, only 6 to 12 in tall, in the same genus as blueberry and cranberry. It carries glossy little leaves, dainty pink-white bell flowers, and clusters of tart, bright-red berries used much like cranberries in sauces, jams, and the classic Scandinavian preserve. Koralle is a heavy-bearing selection that often produces two crops a season, one in summer and a larger one in fall. It is extremely cold hardy and makes an attractive edible groundcover for acidic soils.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Blueberry — Shares the same acidic, peaty soil and moisture needs, simplifying care
• Rhododendron — An acid-loving shrub that provides light shade and matching conditions
• Cranberry — A close relative with the same acid-bog preferences for a themed bed

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Vine weevil →

  Grubs chew roots in containers; use fresh media, encourage beneficial nematodes, and check root balls

• Botrytis →

  Gray mold in cool, wet, crowded conditions; thin for airflow and avoid overhead watering

• Leaf spot →

  Minor fungal spotting in wet spells; allow airflow and remove affected leaves

🌾 Harvest & storage

Harvest lingonberries when fully red and firm; Koralle often gives a light summer crop and a heavier fall crop. The tart berries are very high in natural preservatives and keep well refrigerated or frozen. They are usually cooked with sugar into sauce, jam, and the traditional Scandinavian preserve rather than eaten raw.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Lingonberries are tart, rich in vitamin C and manganese, and high in antioxidants and natural benzoic acid, which helps preserve them. They are used in sauces, jams, and preserves much like cranberries.