Vaccinium corymbosum 'Nelson' (F)
blueberry 'Nelson'
A bushy, upright shrub to 1.8m, with small, oval, mid-green leaves turning yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn. Clusters of small, globular, white flowers in mid-to late spring are followed by large, firm, dark blue berries with a silvery-grey bloom in mid- to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Blue Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Yellow Orange Red Purple | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Vaccinium can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple leaves and small, bell- or urn-shaped flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant a sheltered site in well-drained, moisture-retentive, acidic soil, (pH 4.5-5.5) in sun or part shade. Alternatively grow in containers or raised beds filled with ericaceous compost. Pot-grown plants benefit from winter protection. For optimal pollination and yield plant three different cultivars. For further cultivation details see blueberry cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Edible fruit
Pruning
More mature plants benefit from regular pruning, see Pruning blueberries
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, especially in containers
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies
Get involved
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