Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Vaccinium

Species:

Vaccinium reticulatum

USDA Symbol:

VARE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

pink, red

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies, small mammals

Fall Color:

red

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 5.5 (strongly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to volcanic soils of Hawaii

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.