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. Blueberry season can be extended by planting early, mid-season and late varieties which will collectively ripen fruit from late June until mid-August (USDA Zone 5). Best to remove flowers from plants in the year of planting and following year so as to prevent fruit set and encourage new vegetative growth. Prune as needed in late winter beginning in the third year after planting.
This highbush blueberry cultivar is an upright, deciduous shrub which typically grows 5-8' tall (less frequently taller), but is arguably more manageable as a fruit crop when pruned to 6' or less. Dainty, waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers appear in May. Flowers are followed by light blue blueberries (to 1/2" diameter) which ripen in mid-season (mid to late July in USDA Zone 5). Ovate, dark green leaves (to 3.5" long) turn attractive shades of red in fall. Reddish stems can be attractive in winter. 'Bluecrop' grows well in Missouri.
Notwithstanding its superior tasting blueberries that mature in mid-season, this upright deciduous shrub offers additional multi-season ornamental features such as waxy bell-shaped white flowers in spring, attractive dark green leaves that turn exciting shades of red in fall and reddish winter stems. It grows to 5-8 feet tall and forms an excellent hedge. It requires an acidic soil (pH of 4.8 to 5.2) and can be ornamentally grown in conjunction with rhododendrons and azaleas that share the same acidic soil requirement. Harvest the blueberies when ripe or leave them for the birds.
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.
Although often planted solely for the fruit crop, this versatile shrub also has excellent ornamental value (white spring flowers, dark green summer foliage, red fall color and reddish winter stems). Very effective when planted in shrub borders or as part of less formal shrub plantings. 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.
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