Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
A deciduous shrub with small, oval, leathery green leaves that turn bright red or orange in the fall. It produces bell-shaped white or pink flowers and round, blue-to-black edible berries.
- Light
- Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) for best fruit production, though it can tolerate light partial shade.
- Water
- Consistent moisture is critical; plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week. Do not allow the shallow root system to dry out, especially during fruit development.
- Growth
- Perennial shrub with an upright, multi-stemmed habit. Can reach 6 to 12 feet in height if not pruned, with a similar spread.
Care instructions
Requires very acidic soil and consistent moisture. Provide plenty of sunlight and mulch to protect roots. Use fertilizers specifically designed for acid-loving plants like azaleas or camellias.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) for best fruit production, though it can tolerate light partial shade.
Watering
Consistent moisture is critical; plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week. Do not allow the shallow root system to dry out, especially during fruit development.
Soil
Must have well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.2. Rich in organic matter; sandy loams are ideal.
Hardiness zone
Zones 3 to 8, depending on the specific cultivar.
Growth habit
Perennial shrub with an upright, multi-stemmed habit. Can reach 6 to 12 feet in height if not pruned, with a similar spread.
Bloom season
Spring (April-May). Flowers are small, urn-shaped, and usually white or pale pink, hanging in clusters.
Propagation
Typically propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Can be grown from seed, though it takes several years to produce fruit and may not be true to the parent cultivar.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to birds eating the fruit; common pests include blueberry maggots and cherry fruitworms. Diseases include mummy berry and powdery mildew. Iron chlorosis occurs if the soil pH is too high.
Similar species
Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) which is more heat tolerant, and Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) which is much shorter and spreading.