Highbush Blueberry

High bush blueberry with berries

Vaccinium corymbosum 

Plant Characteristics:

  • Duration: Perennial 
  • Habit: shrub
  • Size class: 6-12ft
  • Native Habitat: Swamps; bogs; dry barrens; oak woods
  • Bloom time: May-June

Growing Conditions 

  • Light:
    • Sun, partial shade, shade
  • Soil:
    • Moisture: Dry, moist, wet
    • Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
    • CaCO3 Tol: Low 
    • Description: Wet to dry, acid, rocky soils to organic peats.
  • Water Use: 
    • Medium
  • Condition comments:
    • Extremely susceptible to chlorosis due to alkalinity.
    • Benefits from mulch. Prune after fruiting.

Benefits:

  • Attracts wildlife 
    • 30 different spps of birds 
  • Edible fruit 
  • Conspicuous flower

Drawbacks: 

  • Deer browse
  • Bird browse

Additional uses: 

  • Must be pruned after fruiting