Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) provide a double bonus when grown in the home garden. They produce sweet, healthy fruit and are also handsome, deciduous shrubs that make versatile additions to a landscape plan. Two types of blueberries are commonly available, the highbush form and the lowbush, or wild, blueberry. You might also choose a hybrid blueberry that blends the qualities of these two basic types.
The lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) grows as a native plant in Maine and the colder regions of eastern North America. Also called the wild blueberry, these shrubs grow no taller than 2 feet and may be smaller, depending on soil and climate. They tend to sprawl as they age and produce small, exceptionally sweet bluish-black berries in the summer. Lowbush blueberries are hardy plants that do well in all soils, even poor, rocky types, providing drainage is good. They are best adapted for U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 7 and are not the best choice for a Mediterranean climate since they require winter chilling.
As their name suggests, highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are tall, with some cultivars reaching a height of 6 to 8 feet. Their berries are larger and more abundant than those of the lowbush type, although their flavor may be somewhat less intense and sweet. Two types of highbush plants are available, called the northern and southern highbush forms. The northern type, represented by cultivars such as “Blueray,” “Jersey” and “Patriot,” do best in zones 4 through 7 where winters are cold. Southern highbush blueberries, which are hybrids between Vaccinium corymbosum and another species (V. darrowii), do best in a Mediterranean climate, up to hardiness zone 10. These bushes don’t require winter chilling as do the northern types. They include cultivars such as “Cape Fear,” “Gulf Coast,” “O’Neal” and “Blue Ridge”.
From two other characteristics, you can determine which variety of cranberry is most productive for your development situations and landscape needs. One, called a medium-high type, combines the qualities of the corymb and corymb forms. Growing between 2 and four feet tall, they come with types called ‘Chippewa’, ‘Northblue’ and ‘Polaris’. These are sturdy plants that grow more with a little winter cooling. Another type, called rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccimium ashei), is a perfect selection for warm Mediterranean-style climates. Most cultivars are smaller than corymb forms; those come with “Pretty” and “Climax.” Its berries have a perfect flavor and mature later in the summer than those of the types of corymbe.
All blueberries have similar cultural requirements, regardless of the type you choose to grow. They prefer the full sun, but will tolerate a little shade for each component of the day. They want acidic soils, well drained and rich in biological matter. Because pH is essential for intelligent expansion and deserves to be less than five, you can do soil research before planting to determine if your soil wants to be adjusted. If you have a pH of between five and 6. five, load sulfur to your planting site to increase your acidity. If you are above 6.five, plant your blueberries in an augmented bed where you can load a suitable pH floor at the beginning of planting. Regularly fertilize your blueberries with a formula rich in phosphorus and potassium and place straw on your plants to remove weeds and retain moisture from the soil.
Joanne Marie began writing professionally in 1981. His paintings have been published in medical, medical and clinical publications such as Endocrinology and Journal of Cell Biology. He has also published articles from fans such as The Hobstar and The Bagpiper. Marie is a qualified master gardener and has a PhD. Temple University School of Medicine.