Also known as Red Crowberry
Diddle-dee (Empetrum rubrum) is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to South America, bearing small, edible red berries. It thrives in cool, moist conditions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Avoid drying out completely or becoming waterlogged.
Acidic, Well-drained
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cooler temperatures. Protect from extreme heat and frost. Hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize lightly in spring with an acid-loving plant food. Over-fertilizing can cause damage.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. Empetrum rubrum prefers consistently moist soil. Allow the top centimeter of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems at any time.
For older plants, a more significant prune can rejuvenate them, but do this in early spring before new growth starts.
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Insert cuttings into a moist, well-draining medium, such as peat and grit.
Keep them in a humid environment, such as a propagator, until they root, which can take several weeks.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound. Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix. Repot in early spring before new growth begins.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Diddle-Dee (Empetrum rubrum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Empetrum |
| Species | Empetrum rubrum |
Similar in genus Empetrum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
