Ben Lear and Pilgrim cranberries are similiar to low-lying lingonberries in that they are mat-forming, creeping plants with heights up to 16" tall and twice as wide (up to 30"). Stevens is a dwarf variety that only grows up to 12 inches tall, but is considered to have the sweetest, least tart berries on the market. Cranberries require a pollinator, which is why it is recommended that you buy at least two of the three varieties.
 
When ready for harvesting, these two cultivars turn deep red with a purplish blush. Deep skin pigments are an indicator of high antioxidant content and a range of other beneficial vitamins and minerals. They can be eaten fresh or dried, cooked up as a jam or sauce – or strung up as a Christmas tree decoration. A dense evergreen, they hold pride of place in an edible garden. Most cranberries require a watery bog to grow in, but these two cultivars are exceptional in that they can thrive out of a watery environment. Zones 4-8