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Category Archives: AVAILABLE SPECIAL GROUNDCOVERS

LINGONBERRY MOUNTAIN CRANBERRY-THE TRUTH

13 Friday Nov 2015

Posted by easternplant in AVAILABLE SPECIAL GROUNDCOVERS, EDIBLE

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EDIBLE, native plant

MTCR5

THIS IS A WONDERFUL PLANT….PAUSE…..WHERE IT CAN BE GROWN …AND THAT’S THE POINT OF THIS ARTICLE.  WE OFFER THIS FINE PLANT BUT MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT CONDITIONS.

The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), above, is one of two plants that play a large role in the subsistence economy of boreal Alaska. The other is bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum). Institute of Arctic Biology ecologist Christa Mulder and her research team are investigating whether the presence of the invasive legume sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) can alter the production of fruits of lingonberry and blueberry.

Like many great plants, most nurseries don’t tell the downside or the total truth …they just try to sell and don’t really care if it dies once it gets to you. We care.

EASTERN PLANT GIVES THE FACTS …SO, ALL ABOUT LINGONBERRY!

There are TWO types of Mountain cranberry, also called LINGONBERRY. Both are hard to grow but one is a bit easier and that’s the one we sell: Vaccinium vitis idea minor. It is native in the northern hemisphere globally, in cool summer areas, like here in Maine and Alaska. It has a smaller leaf than the other form called ‘Major’ which is more local in its distribution but common in Scandinavia. Major has a larger leaf and berries. It is sold by many other nurseries but is very hard to grow and there are named varieties of it. Be careful, we only sell “minor” at this time as it’s much easier..

Below pic showing the cololrful fruit display. The berries are edible and nutritious.

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The Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea minus), above, is one of two plants that play a large role in the subsistence economy of boreal Alaska. The other is bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum). This is a highly underused plant and has real commercial value, as well as being a great groundcover, where it can be grown.

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In bloom …delightful flowers, similar to blueberry flowers. (closely related)

WHAT LINGONBERRY NEEDS TO GROW WELL

  • Acid, naturally peaty soil, damp and or
  • Acid, sandy, gravelly soil with some natural peaty material on top
  • No clay
  • Fair amount of light, even full sun
  • No competition from other plants-mosses are ok
  • No digging around it or walking anywhere near its roots. Remember, the biggest killer of all plants in this family is soil compaction!
  • Mulch with fine gravel, shredded oak leaves, or pine needles only
  • Northern climate: Maine, Vt, NH, Mass, Coastal RI, NW CT, Michigan, Minnesota, Upper Wisconsin, cooler upstate NY, High elevation areas in NY, NW NJ, Pacific NW. Maybe the highest elevation areas in NC and TN

WE HAVE THE LOWEST PRICE YOU WILL FIND FOR THIS GREAT PLANT.

I just saw that Stark Bros sells it in quart pots for twenty bucks…I won’t say rip off, but … and it’s not just them, most places sell it for outrageous prices. Just as important, those other nurseries do not tell you it can’t grow well in warm climates. Also most of those plants sold by the other nurseries, well, they aren’t growing it. They have them shipped in from the pacific NW and while I love those places, West coast grown Ligonberry in general,  just doesn’t adapt well in the east …it’s a fact. The Lingonberry you get from us at Eastern Plant  is grown here in Maine, outside! 

MOUNTAIN CRANBERRY-LINGONBERRY is a a scarce evergreen creeper with edible fruit. It needs coolish summers so is great for New Eng. and upper midwest. We grow this in the ground, making it MUCH MORE adaptable than any others grown in pots-remember to ask that if you get it elsewhere-we hope you don’t. The tiny waxy shiny leaves are on multitudes of stems to 5 inches high. In late spring, dangling pink bell flowers adorn the plant, later giving way to edible red berries that are great in jams or eating raw. It is much in demand in Europe for its edible berries. Just remember, it NEEDS acid peaty soil and half sun. Thrives in New England and can be grown in zones 3-6, see the list of states above

6 inch sod $12.95  3 for $30  6 for $57  12 for $99

To order just email us easternplant@juno.com

Dr “Oz” a few years back talked about this plant on his show; discussing the plants medicinal values and edible fruit were discussed. We received many calls after that from people wanting to order it. We told everyone of its needs and only sold it to northern areas – so we actually turned away many potential sales. We care

As far as its medicinal properties, some references say the leaves are antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, used in arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes and other ailments. The leaves are gathered in early summer and dried for later use. The mature fruits are eaten fresh or dried as a remedy for diarrhea and as a treatment for sore throats, coughs and colds. NOTE WE MAKE NO CLAIMS any of these uses actually work.

Below: in Scandinavia, Lingonberry jam is a staple, used as topping on pancakes, breads and many pastries. It is available here in the U.S. if you look around. You can grow some and make your own.

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ABOVE: There it is growing wild in Maine. Note how there is just a little natural mulch around it. DON’T OVER mulch as it kills most plants, but kills them slowly, so in many cases it’s hard to “make the connection.”

What vitis-idaea means is a good guess. The standard interpretation by botanists who only speak English is that it means “Cow Grape from Mt. Ida”  (in Greece.) Another view is that it means “Dark Red Grape of Mt. Ida”.   Ιδία (ee-THEE-ah) in Greek means above all and the Lingonberry, which likes to hug the arctic circle, certainly grows above all

Each Spring, when the snow melts away, one of the first plants to appear is this favorite little groundcover with a long Latin name.  Vaccinium vitis-idaea ssp. minus and we have large patches of it.  Also known as ‘northern mountain cranberry,’ you can tell by its Latin name that it is a member of the blueberry family.  Among its relatives are Vaccinium macrocarpon, the American cranberry, Vaccinium angustifolium, the lowbush blueberry,

The mountain cranberry grows in northern climates as an understory plant in a variety of forest habitats and is able to survive poor soils and harsh conditions. In its native habitat, it can often go unnoticed. It also grows in what are called heaths here in Maine. Heaths are highly acid, open areas with plants in the ericacaous family. The areas are often damp yet it also grows wild in mountainous areas: hikers and climbers usually spot it as they’re sitting on a rock, trying desperately to catch their breath, while cursing whoever it was that talked them into such a difficult climb in the first place. In the wild, the small berries of mountain cranberry are an important food source for a variety of birds and mammals.  The berries are also palatable for humans and, in Japan and Europe, the fruit is widely processed and marketed; its a staple in Scandinavian diets.
In our garden we have mountain cranberry planted in soil that contains heavy amounts of sand and gravel.  Here in our Zone 5, the plant has had no problem with the cold winters.
Look at the gorgeous fall and winter color above

The plant is evergreen and at this time of the year, the foliage of mountain cranberry takes on a wonderful burgundy tint.  As for warm summer days plantings don’t seem to be bothered at all with summer heat here in Maine. They are all in full sun, with a good mulch of pea gravel which helps to retain adequate moisture.

 Mountain cranberry is very low growing (2-4 inches) and grows in dense rhizomatous colonies that typically form mats.  The roots are extremely fine, fibrous, and shallow growing and so, until established do not let it dry out.  Flowering occurs in late May. It’s not the kind of plant that will stop photographers in their tracks, but the small, pinkish, bell-shaped flowers are quite attractive as they appear in little clusters at the end of branch tips; fruit ripens in late August, early September.
This is a polite plant that minds its manners, is easy to control. Once established, mountain cranberry makes a beautiful spreading evergreen groundcover that brings with it both flower and fruit. The key is leaving it alone, not walking near it, and giving it the right soil

Because Lingonberries are plentiful in the forested areas of the Swedish inland, they are widely collected for jam. It has always been very popular with traditional dishes. Today, Lingonberries are often served as jam, for instance with oven-made thick pancakes, or they may be served as a relish with meat courses, they are even served with fried herring. The jam is also often used on mashed potatoes and the traditional oatmeal porridge, sometimes together with cinnaomon and perhaps, a little sugar.

Here are some Lingonberry jam tidbits: Fine Lingonberry jam is prepared only with berries, sugar and, optionally, a small amount of water. Cheaper varieties are diluted with apples and/or pectin. The finest Lingonberry “jam” is prepared fresh by just mixing berries and sugar, without boiling; this is called rårörda lingonor rørte tyttebær (raw-stirred lingonberries). Before the use of refined sugar became common in Sweden, lingonberry jam was prepared with lingonberries as the only ingredient. Because of the Benzoic acid, which is found in high amounts in Lingonberries, the berries keep well without any sugar or other preservatives.

6 inch sod $12.95  3 for $30  6 for $57  12 for $99

To order just email us easternplant@juno.com

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SPECIAL GROUNDCOVERS

09 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by easternplant in AVAILABLE SPECIAL GROUNDCOVERS

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Tags

groundcover, liner, native plant

The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), above, is one of two plants that play a large role in the subsistence economy of boreal Alaska. The other is bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum). Institute of Arctic Biology ecologist Christa Mulder and her research team are investigating whether the presence of the invasive legume sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) can alter the production of fruits of lingonberry and blueberry.

The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), above, is one of two plants that play a large role in the subsistence economy of boreal Alaska. The other is bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum). Institute of Arctic Biology ecologist Christa Mulder and her research team are investigating whether the presence of the invasive legume sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) can alter the production of fruits of lingonberry and blueberry.

SPECIAL LOW GROWING PLANTS YOU WON’T OFTEN FIND AVAILABLE

WE GROW ALL OUR PLANTS OUTSIDE, NOT GREENHOUSES! THAT MAKES OUR PLANTS MUCH TOUGHER AND MORE ADAPTABLE!

TO ORDER just email your wish list to easternplant@juno.com

IT’S EASY TO ORDER FROM EASTERN PLANT

BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

arcto2arcto

One of the prettiest groundcovers that can tolerate harsh conditions. The ground hugging wiry branches are covered with glistening green, rounded evergreen leaves. Dainty pink and white bell flowers in spring are followed by scarlet edible berries. Shiny leaves turn deep maroon in fall, staying reddish all winter. Hardy zones 4 thru 8- it likes well drained sandy or gravelly soil-not for clay! Excellent trailing over walls, even on sand dunes areas, looks great mixed with creeping junipers and conifers. 4-6 inch $6.95  3 for $17  6 for $32

Below, larger 8-12 inch plants…best ever! 8-12 inches  $8.95 3 for $23  6 for $44  12 for $85

IMG_20150320_155320

 

SWEETFERN Comptonia peregrina

SWEET

This fascinating native is actually related to Bayberry, it’s not a fern. The soft, slender leaves are finely serrated and do have the aroma of hay when crushed. Totally carefree and a great plant for sunny, well drained areas. It will grow in sand, gravel or loamy soil and likes full sun. Foliage holds let and then turns a shimmering bunt orange. Grows to 2-3 feet tall and as wide. zones 3-8 8-12 inch $13  2 for $19 3 for $25

FERNS ARE FOUND IN THE FERN SECTION

HEATHS AND HEATHERS

hesthrerr

Related to rhododendrons, heaths and heathers are simply delightful low growing plants that can be used as a groundcover. They provide early spring/late winter flowers for heaths and late summer flowers for heathers. For both, beautiful winter foliage color unlike anything else. This group is misunderstood: all they need is sun, very well drained sandy/gravelly soil. Do not fertilize, do not overwater. Obey those easy rules and they thrive! Heaths and heathers are so adapted to our sandy soil at our Maine farm they are naturally seeding all through our field …come see them!

                          Heathers are 2 year old plants and well established.                            $7.50 each  3 for $20 6 for $39  12 for $75

other varieties are avaiable

 SPRINGWOOD WHITE HEATH

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BLAZEAWAY HEATHER

blaze

WHITE KNIGHT HEATHER

skheath

WHITE LAWN HEATHER

whitelawn

FOAMFLOWER Tiarella  SEE WILDFLOWER SECTION

SANDMYTRLE Leiophyllum buxifolium

SANDM

A VERY RARE PLANT Native to the NJ pine barrens but hardy into New England. Tiny shiny leaves on a slow spreading plant that only gets to 6 inches high and a foot across. In spring, starbursts of pink tinged starry flowers burst forth. Needs well drained sandy, rocky or gravelly soil. Related to rhododendron. zones 4-7  4-6 inch $29

CREEPING MAHONIA

MAHMAH2

Evergreen and smaller growing than common mahonia, growing to a foot tall. Makes a neat small scale groundcover in partly shaded, well drained sites. Clusters of yellow flowers in spring, blue berries in fall. Foliage takes on red to orange colors in winter. zones 5b-8  $7.95  3 for $19  6 for $34

WINTERGREEN Gaultheria procumbens

WINT

A native groundcover known for its edible red berries and spicy, scented foliage. A delightful plant, oblong shiny leaves, pinkish bell flowers in spring. A delicious tea can be made from the berries and leaves. It needs sandy, gravelly, well drained soil, not for clay or composty soil; we are the only nursery that honestly says that. zones 4-8 4-6 inch pieces of sod, we grow this in the ground-it’s better for the plant. $12.95  3 for $35

PARTRIDGEBERRY Mitchella repens

PART2PART

Talk about creepy …this hugs the ground with heavily veined, small rounded leaves forming a dense mat when happy. Lovely, scented white flower sin spring, edible red berries in fall. Evergreen, very slow growing. Needs leafy organic, damp soil. Native to cool, mossy forest areas. zones 3-7  4 inch clump $9.95 3 for $23

ALLEGHANY PACHYSANDRA Pachysandra procumbenspachy

Native to the U.S. Much more attractive than common Japanese pachy yet rarely seen. Semi evergreen foliage takes on silvery mottling during winter. White powder puff flowers in spring. A neat groundcover impressive in both small and large scale plantings. zones 5-8 heavy divisions 5 for $19  10 for $35 inquire for large quantities

LEUCOTHOE PERFECTION

leucothoeLEUC

The cleanest, most disease resistant leucothoe ever. After 25 years of observation there’s NO other leucothoe that performs as well. Related to rhodos, this is the perfect tall groundcover to use in massing or as a specimen, bearing long sprays of white bell flowers in June. Evergreen lance shaped leaves are on gently cascading stems forming a billowy mound. Foliage is very dark in color with coppery red tones on new growth and again turning red in winter. Best in somewhat shaded areas. Excellent cascading over walls, stream edges or mass planted in the garden. I got this in NJ 25 years ago from a local grower & noticed how disease free it was…when I moved to Maine it came with me, now 25 years later it still outdoes any other leucothoe, is totally hardy & does not get leaf spot. The BEST LEUCOTHOE I have ever seen. Our mature plants, draw oohs & ahhs! Adaptable zones 5 thru 7 8-12 inch $15 for 1  $43 for 3  $80 for 6  12-15 inch $18 for 1  $52 for 3  $99 for 6  15-18 inch $21 for one  $59 for 3  $115 for 6

PENNSYLVANIA SEDGE Carex pensylvanicaPENN

This fine textured sedge is becoming more widely used for its feathery look, adaptability to part shade and dry soil. Forms a billow undulating groundcover to 8 inches needing no care. zones 4-7 from Quart $6.95 3 for $16 INQUIRE FOR QUANTITY PRICING AT A STEEP DISCOUNT

 

CRANBERRY Vaccinium macrocarpon

The same cranberry you eat at Thanksgiving makes a wonderful landscape plant. Evergreen, with tiny leaves on multitudes of interweaving stems that form a dense cover. Fascinating flowers followed by edible red fruit in fall. NEEDS full sun and acid, sandy to peaty soil. Grows to 6 or so inches tall spreads sideways. Foliage turns reddish in winter. zones 4-7  from quart $6.95 3 for $18  6 for $34

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MOUNTAIN CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis idea-minus
The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), above, is one of two plants that play a large role in the subsistence economy of boreal Alaska. The other is bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum). Institute of Arctic Biology ecologist Christa Mulder and her research team are investigating whether the presence of the invasive legume sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) can alter the production of fruits of lingonberry and blueberry.

Here’s a scarce evergreen creeper with edible fruit. It is also called Lingonberry. It needs coolish summers so great for New Eng. and upper midwest. We grow this in the ground making it MUCH MORE adaptable than any others grown in pots-remember to ask that if you get it elsewhere-we hope you don’t. Those shipped in from the west coast will not adapt. The tiny waxy shiny leaves are on multitudes of stems to 5 inches high. In late spring, dangling pink bell flowers adorn the plant, later giving way to edible red berries that are great in jams or eating raw. Much in demand in Europe. NEEDS acid peaty soil and half sun. Thrives in New Eng. zones 3-6  6-8 inch sod $13.95  3 for $33  6 for $63

 

 

 TO ORDER JUST EMAIL YOUR WISH LIST TO easternplant@juno.com AND WE WILL CONTACT YOU. THANK YOU! EASTERN PLANT …SINCE 1985

 

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