Pretty pink flowers followed by glossy red berries. Evergreen foliage turns bronze and red in autu...Pretty pink flowers followed by glossy red berries. Evergreen foliage turns bronze and red in autumn and winter. Ideal for containers and hanging baskets. Cranberry Pilgrim offers year-round appeal, combining beauty and productivity in one compact plant. In midsummer, it produces delicate pink flowers which give way to clusters of glossy red berries in autumn, perfect for adding colour and interest to the garden. The evergreen foliage changes through the seasons, taking on bronze and deep red hues in autumn and winter. With its natural trailing habit, Pilgrim is ideally suited for containers or hanging baskets, where its decorative qualities can really shine. As an acid-loving plant, it must be grown in ericaceous compost or lime-free soil for best results, rewarding you with both ornamental value and edible berries year after year. Compact cranberry 'Pilgrim' from Marshalls Garden produces delicate pink flowers in midsummer that develop into glossy red, edible berries in September and October. Evergreen, trailing foliage turns bronze and deep red in autumn and winter, adding year-round interest. Ideal for pots, hanging baskets, patios, small gardens and borders, it grows 0.1-0.5m and prefers ericaceous compost or lime-free soil. Hardy to H5 (-15 to -10°C) and perennial, 'Pilgrim' combines decorative colour with productive fruit in a container-friendly habit.
The Cranberry 'Pilgrim' is an evergreen, trailing plant ideal for gardeners seeking year-round appeal with both ornamental beauty and edible fruit. It's perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and smaller garden spaces. A key benefit is its dual purpose: attractive pink flowers in summer, followed by glossy red berries in autumn, all while its foliage provides seasonal color. The primary caveat is its need for acidic, lime-free soil or ericaceous compost to thrive.
All features
Model Part Number
10606211
Brand
Marshalls Garden
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to plant Cranberry 'Pilgrim'?
The best time to plant is typically in spring or early autumn, allowing the plant to establish its roots before extreme weather.
Can I grow Cranberry 'Pilgrim' in a regular garden soil?
No, Cranberry 'Pilgrim' requires acidic, lime-free soil. Regular garden soil is often too alkaline and will prevent the plant from absorbing nutrients effectively.
How do I harvest the cranberries?
Harvest the glossy red berries in September or October when they are fully ripe. Gently pick them from the stems.
What does 'Hardy to H5' mean?
'H5' indicates the plant's hardiness rating, meaning it can tolerate winter temperatures down to -15°C to -10°C.
Will the plant survive winter outdoors?
Yes, the Cranberry 'Pilgrim' is a hardy perennial and is designed to survive winter outdoors, especially in zones rated H5 or milder. Container plants may need some protection in harsher climates.
How often should I water my Cranberry 'Pilgrim'?
Keep the soil consistently moist. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves (chlorosis)
This is often a sign of alkaline soil. Repot with ericaceous compost or amend the soil with a sulfur-based soil acidifier.
Poor or no berry production
Ensure adequate sunlight, consistent moisture, and correct soil pH. May also indicate a need for fertilization with an appropriate plant food.
Stunted growth
Check soil moisture levels and pH. Ensure the plant is not root-bound if in a container and consider repotting with fresh ericaceous compost.
Leaves turning brown and crispy
This could be due to underwatering or excessive wind exposure. Increase watering and move to a more sheltered location if possible.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides year-round visual interest with evergreen foliage and seasonal color changes.
Offers both aesthetic appeal with flowers and practical use with edible berries.
Compact and trailing habit makes it ideal for small spaces, containers, and hanging baskets.
Hardy and perennial, requiring minimal replanting and offering long-term garden value.
Easy to maintain once established in the correct soil conditions.
Cons
Requires specific ericaceous compost or lime-free soil to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Berry production can be reduced in very poor soil or extreme weather conditions.
May require occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruiting.
Not suitable for alkaline soil conditions.
Can be susceptible to certain pests if not monitored.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Planting:
Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
Crucially, ensure the soil is acidic and well-draining. Use ericaceous compost for containers or amend garden soil with peat or a specialized acidic growing medium.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the cranberry at the same depth it was in its original pot.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Compatibility:
Soil pH: Prefers a pH of 4.5 to 5.5.
Companions: Suitable for planting with other acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Heathers.
Containers: Ideal for pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes.
Care:
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods and fruiting.
Feeding: Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants in spring.
Pruning: Lightly prune after fruiting (late autumn/early winter) to remove dead or overgrown stems and to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning in spring as this can remove flowering wood.
Winter Protection: Hardy to -15°C (H5). In very exposed or cold areas, container plants may benefit from winter mulch or moving to a sheltered spot.