Vaccinium corymbosum (F)
blueberry
A bushy deciduous shrub to 1.5m tall, with mid-green leaves turning red and purple in autumn. Sprays of small, white or pink urn-shaped flowers in spring are followed by edible, blue-black berries 12mm wide
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–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
Correct
- Plant range
- Eastern N America
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 such as John Innes Ericaceous. Pot grown plants benefit from winter protection. For optimal pollination and yield plant three different cultivars. For further cultivation details see blueberry cultivation
Propagation
Take 10-15cm (4-6in) softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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 if container grown
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.