Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop'

Common name: highbush blueberry

Type:: Fruit
USDA hardiness zones:: 5-7

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.

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Full sun to part shade
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). 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.