Vaccinium corymbosum 'Ivanhoe'

Common name: highbush blueberry

Type:: Fruit
USDA hardiness zones:: 5-8

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 medium blue blueberries (to 1/2\ diameter) which ripen in early season (early 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. 'Ivanhoe' reportedly grows well in Missouri."

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.