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Common Name: highbush blueberry
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Ericaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Native Range: Eastern North America
Height: 6 to 12 feet
Spread: 8 to 12 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Color: Pink, White
Bloom Description: White or pinkish
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). If grown for fruit production, there are many excellent cultivars which should be considered rather than the straight species. 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 is native to the eastern North America where it grows in moist woods, bogs, swamps and low areas. This species is the parent of the many cultivated highbush varieties that are grown for both commercial and home fruit production. It is an upright, deciduous shrub that typically grows 5-8' (less frequently to 12') tall. Dainty, waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers appear in May. Flowers are followed by medium blue blueberries which ripen in summer. Ovate, dark green leaves (to 3.5" long) turn attractive shades of red and purple in fall. Reddish stems can be attractive in winter.
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, red 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.