F130 Grape vs Bilberry - TreeTime.ca

F130 Grape vs Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Vitis F130

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bilberry
F130 Grape

Bilberry is a native perennial shrub valued for its small, blue-black berries that ripen in mid to late summer. The berries resemble blueberries but have a richer, more tart, and intense flavor. They have long been used for fresh eating, baking, and preserves, while also providing food for birds and mammals. In spring, its delicate pinkish flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Growing low to the ground, Bilberry forms spreading colonies that create dense understory cover. This growth habit provides food and shelter for wildlife, and its foliage adds seasonal interest by turning red to purple in autumn. With its adaptability and ecological benefits, Bilberry is well-suited for naturalization, ecological restoration, and pollinator gardens.

This variety is cold-hardy and will produce bluish red clusters of grapes that are great for jellies and juice. Grapes have long been used to cover arbors and trellises.

Grapes are a higher maintenance species requiring regular care and pruning. Unchecked and uncared for grapes can spread, be eaten by birds, and have lesser yields.

Applying a thick layer of mulch can help these vines overwinter better.

Note: We do not ship grape vines to BC due to regulatory restrictions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Bilberry Quick Facts

F130 Grape Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: low growing, clump-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: leaves may be unsafe in high doses

Flowers: white or pink, bell-shaped
Bloom time: summer
Fruit: edible
Berries: round bluish-purple berries, edible
Berries: dark purple
Fruit size: small
Flavor: sweet
Flavor: sour, juicy
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Harvest: September
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: common bilberry, dwarf bilberry, low bilberry, myrtille, myrtle blueberry, myrtle whortleberry, whortleberry