Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Sweetheart’ (Highbush Blueberry)

Noted for its 2 crops per year, Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Sweetheart’ (Highbush Blueberry) is a bushy upright deciduous shrub, with oval dark green leaves turning brilliant red shades in the fall. In spring, bell-shaped, white flowers give way to abundant clusters of large, sweet, juicy blueberries which ripen early in the season (late spring to early summer). This first heavy crop is followed by a lighter second crop in late summer in mild areas. Vigorous, this Highbush Blueberry yields up to 15 pounds per plant. The berries are good in desserts or eaten fresh. 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 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
• This plant is best grown in full sun to part shade 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 4-6 in (10-15 cm) softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.