Vaccinium ‘Chippewa’ (Highbush Blueberry)

Incredibly cold-hardy, Vaccinium ‘Chippewa’ (Highbush Blueberry) is a compact upright deciduous shrub, with elliptic, medium green leaves turning attractive shades of golden-orange in the fall. In late spring, bell-shaped, white flowers give way to showy clusters of medium-sized, light blue blueberries which ripen in midseason (early mid-summer). The berries have a sweet taste and a juicy texture. They are perfect for fresh eating, cooking, baking, or preserves. ‘Chippewa’ is a half-high blueberry cultivar noted for its excellent winter hardiness. Perfect for small gardens or containers.

Although blueberries are self-fertile, cross-pollination produces the best fruit crop (larger berries and larger yields). For optimal pollination and yield plant more than one variety with the same bloom time.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in well-drained, moisture-retentive, organically rich, acidic soil. Plant in a sheltered site and provide good organic mulch.
• Perfect for mixed shrub borders in city gardens, cottage gardens, or coastal gardens. Can be grown as a hedge or in containers. Great fruiting shrub with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Watch out for vine weevil, powdery mildews, and chlorosis (manganese and iron deficiencies).
• Prune as needed in late winter beginning in the third year after planting.
• Propagation: Take 4-6in (10-15cm) softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.