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Common Name: highbush blueberry
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Ericaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Garden Location: Justin A. and Rose J. Naumann Experimental Garden
Height: 5 to 7 feet
Spread: 5 to 7 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Fruit: Showy Fruit, Edible Fruit
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Uses: Hedge
Culture
Best grown in acidic (pH of 4.8 to 5.2), organically rich, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Shallow, fibrous roots need constant moisture and good drainage. Plants appreciate a good organic mulch. Although blueberries are self-fertile, cross-pollination produces the best fruit crop (larger berries and larger yields). Therefore, it is best to plant more than one variety that will bloom at the same time. In addition, blueberry season can be extended by planting early, mid-season and late varieties which will collectively ripen from early June well into July (St. Louis area). Best to remove flowers from plants in the year of planting and in the following year so as to prevent fruit set and to encourage new vegetative growth. Prune as needed in late winter beginning in the third year after planting.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is native to eastern North America where it grows in moist woods, bogs, swamps and low areas. It is an upright, deciduous shrub that typically grows 5-8’ tall. ‘Duke’ is a highbush cultivar that typically grows 5-7’ tall. It flowers late but fruits early, often producing an abundant crop of blueberries. Waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers appear in May. Flowers are followed by medium to large, light blue blueberries which ripen in early season (early to mid June). Berries have a mildly sweet flavor. Ovate, dark green leaves (to 3.5” long) turn attractive shades of yellow and orange in fall.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Birds love the fruit, so plants may need to be covered with netting as the fruit begins to ripen in order to protect the crop. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) may occur in high pH soils. Potential but infrequent disease problems include stem blight, root rot, anthracnose, cane cankers, mildew and botrytis.
Garden Uses
This versatile shrub has excellent ornamental value separate and apart from the fruit crop: white spring flowers, dark green summer foliage, yellow-orange fall color and reddish winter stems. Effective in shrub borders or as part of less formal shrub plantings such as in native plant gardens or open woodland areas. Particularly effective in conjunction with rhododendrons and azaleas which share similar acidic soil requirements. Also makes an excellent hedge with the added benefits of summer fruit which can be harvested or left for the birds.