- Type:
- Fruit
- USDA hardiness zones:
- 6-10
Southern highbush blueberry varieties were developed for warm climates such as the South where summers are hot and humid and winters are mild. These varieties require fewer cold days in winter for plants to set fruit. ëSunshine Blue is a compact southern highbush cultivar that typically grows only 3-4 tall. Dainty, waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers appear in May. Flowers are followed by medium to small, dark blue blueberries that ripen in mid season (June). Ovate, dark green leaves (to 3.5î long) turn attractive shades of red and purple in fall. Reddish stems can be attractive in winter.
- 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. 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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