ShrubsVaccinium corymbosum
Blueberry
The blueberry is an attractive fruit shrub that offers interest year-round: white bell-shaped flowers in spring, delicious blue-black berries in summer, and spectacular red autumn foliage colour. The bush grows compactly and is perfect for the edible garden, a border or a large pot on the terrace.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 100–200 cm
- Spread
- 80–150 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees, birds, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in acid, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil (pH 4.5-5.5). Use ericaceous compost if your garden soil is too chalky. Keep the soil evenly moist with rainwater. Mulch annually with conifer bark. Ideally plant two different cultivars for better pollination.
Pruning tips
Prune in winter by removing the oldest, least productive stems (over four years old) at the base. Cut away dead and damaged wood. Leave young shoots — they bear fruit the following season. An open bush shape promotes berry ripening.
Good companions
ShrubsRhododendron catawbiense
Rhododendron
The Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of purple or pink flowers in May and June above glossy dark-green foliage. The shrub can grow quite large and makes an imposing presence in partial shade. Rhododendrons are iconic in woodland gardens and rural plantings.
ShrubsPieris japonica
Japanese Andromeda
Japanese andromeda is an elegant evergreen shrub that captivates three times a year: in spring with graceful, drooping clusters of white bell-shaped flowers; then with spectacular red or bronze new foliage that gradually turns green; and year-round with its compact, glossy canopy. A jewel in the shade border.
ShrubsVaccinium corymbosum
Blueberry
The blueberry is an attractive fruit shrub that offers interest year-round: white bell-shaped flowers in spring, delicious blue-black berries in summer, and spectacular red autumn foliage colour. The bush grows compactly and is perfect for the edible garden, a border or a large pot on the terrace.