How to prune bilberry

Early spring, before new growth begins. Use fine pruners to remove dead, broken, or crossing stems at the base. Avoid hard cutbacks — bilberry regrows slowly from old wood. For an overgrown plant, remove no more than one-quarter of the oldest stems per season over several years.

Rarely; minor tidying as needed. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a low, rhizomatous, deciduous shrub that largely manages itself. It does not respond well to heavy pruning and is generally left unpruned in cultivation. Remove dead or winter-damaged shoots in early spring. Very old or congested plants can be lightly thinned, but drastic cutting will delay fruiting significantly.

Use fine pruners to remove dead, broken, or crossing stems at the base. Avoid hard cutbacks — bilberry regrows slowly from old wood. For an overgrown plant, remove no more than one-quarter of the oldest stems per season over several years.