Chapter 134 Vaccinium corymbosum

134.1 Highbush blueberry

A cluster of blueberry flowers. Link to original image.

134.2 Soil: Ericaceous Mix

Ratio: 3 parts bark, 1 part peat, 1-2 parts grit

Add-ins: dolomitic limestone (MAX of 2 lbs/yd), Tree-Tone (15 lbs/yd)

pH: ~5.5-6.0 (acidic)

Moisture: prefers acidic, moist to very moist soil.

134.3 Light

Routine: need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, with some shade and exposure to cooler weather.

Summer: unknown

134.4 Cultivation Notes

Cultivated blueberries, showing the loose open structure that maximizes fruit formation. Leaving more foliage reduces fruit, but thickens the canopy. Link to original image.

134.4.1 Potting & Root Pruning

Schedule:

Notes:

134.4.1.1 Top & Branch Management

Heavy pruning: prune in the late winter to remove dead or crowded branches.

Fine pruning:

Leaf pruning:

134.4.2 Feeding

Fertilize blueberries when the leaves start to develop. Use fertilizer made for azaleas such as 10-5-4.

134.4.3 Pests & Problems

Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) may occur in high pH soils. Potential but infrequent disease problems include stem blight, root rot, anthracnose, cane cankers, mildew and botrytis.

Chemical Warnings

134.4.4 Winter Storage

Fall foliage of blueberries is red, but can range from copper-red to nearly fluorescent pink-red. Note too the fine, movement-filled twigs. Link to original image.

Unknown.

134.5 Propagation Notes

134.6 Artistic & Styling Notes

134.7 Additional Information

134.7.1 Natural History

Upright, deciduous shrubs native to eastern North America. Typically grows in moist woods, bogs, swamps and low areas. Highbush blueberries grow best in USDA Zones 5 to 8.

134.7.2 In Cultivation

Mature plants will reach around 5-8’ tall with an equal spread and a dense, rounded habit. The dark green, ovate to elliptic foliage can reach 3" long and 1" wide. Loose clusters of white, pendulous, urn-shaped flowers bloom in spring. The flowers can also have a pale pink tinge. Turns bright shades of coppery red in fall.