Photo: Banangraut, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Dwarf shrub
Bilberry: when and how to prune
Vaccinium myrtillus
Bilberry is best pruned in March–April.
| Pruning months | March–April |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–May |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Bilberry: when to prune it?
In March–April, if needed.
Bilberry: how to prune it?
- No pruning needed.
- Old, straggly plants can be cut down short: they regrow from the rhizomes.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–April.
- Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Common mistakes
- Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
Caution: After such rejuvenation there will be few berries for a couple of years: so don’t cut the whole carpet at once, but one part at a time.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from highbush blueberry · Difference from bog bilberry · Difference from cowberry
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.