Stevens Cranberry Bush - Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Stevens'

Stevens Cranberry Bush (Vaccinium macrocarpon 'Stevens')

The Stevens Cranberry Bush is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for producing abundant yields of large, flavorful berries with a naturally sweeter profile than standard varieties. Garden enthusiasts and culinary professionals alike buy Stevens Cranberry Bush online to enjoy fresh harvests for holiday cooking, preserves, and beverages while adding year-round ornamental value to their landscape. This cold-hardy plant rewards growers with delicate pink-tinged flowers in spring and vibrant red fruit in mid-autumn.

Landscaping Uses

Plant the Stevens Cranberry as a low-growing ground cover in mixed borders, as a specimen shrub in acid-soil gardens, or even as an informal hedge. Its compact, spreading habit makes it ideal for smaller residential landscapes, and it thrives in locations where soil remains consistently moist and acidic. This shrub works beautifully in foundation plantings, native pollinator gardens, and edible landscape designs.

Specifications

Height: 12–18 inches
Width: 24–36 inches
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun (minimum 6 hours direct light)
Water: Consistently moist, well-draining soil
Soil: Acidic, moist soil with good drainage
USDA Zones: 3–7

Why Homeowners Love It

• Produces generous crops of large, exceptionally flavorful berries ideal for fresh use and cooking
• Displays attractive white-pink flowers in spring and striking red fruit in fall for multi-season appeal
• Thrives across a wide geographic range from cold northern climates to warmer humid zones
• Requires minimal maintenance once established and eliminates the need for frequent store-bought cranberry shopping

Planting & Care

Choose a sunny location with acidic, moisture-retentive soil and dig a hole three times wider than the root ball. Gently loosen the roots, position the plant upright in the hole, and backfill with a 60/40 blend of native soil and compost. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets, apply 3–4 inches of mulch around the base, and maintain consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil throughout the growing season. Once established, the Stevens Cranberry tolerates temporary dry periods better but still prefers regular moisture for optimal productivity and health.