- Type:
- Deciduous shrub
- USDA hardiness zones:
- 5-8
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."
- Medium to wet
- Medium
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.
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