Vaccinium darrowii (Darrow’s Blueberry)

Vaccinium darrowii (Darrow’s Blueberry) is a low-growing, bushy, rounded evergreen shrub with small, alternate, elliptic leaves that are glaucous and bluish-green in color and glabrous or minutely pubescent along the midrib. The foliage emerges with a pretty pinkish tinge. Attractive clusters of 2-6 elongated bell-shaped, white to pinkish flowers bloom in spring on the wood of the previous season’s growth. They are produced before or with the emergence of new leaves. The blossoms attract bees and other pollinators and are followed by a profusion of edible, glaucous blue berries in late spring – a delight for many species of birds and other wildlife – and by humans. Native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, Darrow’s Blueberry occurs naturally in sandhills, in scrub oak woods, and in dry pine or mixed pine/hardwood forests.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall and wide (30-60 cm). It May spread by rhizomes to form low thickets.
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in dry to moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Moderately drought tolerant once established.
• Suitable for a low hedge or beds and borders. It works well in a naturalistic landscape as well as a container.
• No serious pest or disease issues. The twigs are an important browse for deer
• Little pruning is needed to maintain a pretty-looking shrub.
• Propagate by division, softwood cuttings taken in spring, hardwood cuttings, seed. Seeds may need to be stratified and should be sown on a slightly acid soil mix.
• Native to the Southeastern United States, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.