- Type:
- Deciduous shrub
- USDA hardiness zones:
- 5-8
Highbush blueberry (see Vaccinium corymbosum at M690) 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. ëDuke is a highbush cultivar that typically grows 5-7 tall. It flowers late but fruits early, often producing an abundant crop of blueberries. Waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers appear in May. Flowers are followed by medium to large, light blue blueberries which ripen in early season (early to mid June). Berries have a mildly sweet flavor. Ovate, dark green leaves (to 3.5î long) turn attractive shades of yellow and orange in fall.
- 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.
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