Vaccinium corymbosum 'Chandler'

Common name: highbush blueberry

Type:: Fruit
USDA hardiness zones:: 6-8

Highbush blueberry is native to eastern North America where it grows in moist woods, bogs, swamps and low areas. It is an upright, deciduous shrub that typically grows 5-8' tall. 'Chandler' is a highbush blueberry cultivar which typically grows 5-6' tall and features perhaps the largest (cherry-size) blueberries produced by any highbush cultivar available in commerce today. Dainty, waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers appear in May. Flowers are followed by dark blue blueberries which ripen in mid to late season (late June). Ovate, dark green leaves (to 3.5\ long) turn attractive shades of red and ... more »

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. In addition, blueberry season can be extended by planting early, mid-season and late varieties which will collectively ripen from early June well into July (St. Louis area). 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. 'Chandler' is only winter hardy to USDA Zone 6 (less hardy than the species and many other cultivars thereunder), and it should be planted in a protected location in the St. Louis area.