A productive berry bush that also earns its keep ornamentally with white spring bells and fiery autumn foliage. Needs acidic soil — ideal for a dedicated pot of ericaceous mix.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m tall
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Blueberry
Botanically, Vaccinium corymbosum is a moderate-growing shrub in the Ericaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall at maturity, with deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage. White flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Blueberry
Blueberry suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Blueberry does best in acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Blueberry is consistently moist soil. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Blueberry after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Blueberry in the garden
Blueberry earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Blueberry with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.