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Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)

Highbush Blueberry, Blueberry, American Blueberry, Swamp Blueberry, Tall Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum, Highbush Blueberry, Blueberry, American Blueberry, Swamp Blueberry, Tall Blueberry, Berries, Blue Berries

Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry) is a bushy, upright deciduous shrub with small oval blue-green leaves turning attractive shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple in the fall. In late spring to early summer, urn-shaped creamy-white flowers give way to clusters of blue blueberries that are relished by songbirds, game birds, bears, and small mammals. Winter provides charming interest, with the reddish twiggy branches forming a lovely silhouette. 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. Bees are the primary pollinators for blueberry flowers and are an essential partner in producing blueberries. Rich in nectar, the flowers also attract butterflies. Valued for its berries and brilliant fall foliage, Highbush Blueberry is excellent for naturalized landscaping.

  • Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall (180-360 cm) and 8-12 ft. wide (240-360 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moisture-retentive, organically rich, acidic soil. Plant in a sheltered site and provide good organic mulch.
  • Perfect for mixed shrub borders in cottage gardens. Can be grown as a hedge too. 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.
  • Native to eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Vaccinium
Common names Highbush Blueberry, Blueberry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6' - 12'
(180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 8' - 12'
(240cm - 3.7m)
Spacing 120" - 144"
(3m - 3.7m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maine, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Vaccinium corymbosum Midnight Cascade™ (Blueberry)
Vaccinium darrowii (Darrow’s Blueberry)
Vaccinium elliottii (Elliott’s Blueberry)
Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry)
Vaccinium pallidum (Lowbush Blueberry)
Vaccinium myrsinites (Evergreen Blueberry)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Blueberries (Vaccinium)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Vaccinium
Common names Highbush Blueberry, Blueberry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6' - 12'
(180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 8' - 12'
(240cm - 3.7m)
Spacing 120" - 144"
(3m - 3.7m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maine, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Vaccinium (Blueberry) to pick?
Compare Now

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