Vaccinium corymbosum: Lowbush Blueberry

Latin name: Vaccinium augustifolium
Common name: Burgundy Wild Lowbush Blueberry
Flowers: White but inconspicuous¹⁶
Fruit: Small blue berries¹⁶
Height & Width: 2’ x 2’¹⁶
Type: Deciduous shrub¹⁶
Habit: Shrub¹⁶
Texture: Medium¹⁶
Growth rate: Moderate¹⁶
Light: Full sun to part shade¹⁶
Moisture: Medium¹⁶
Soil*: Medium
Zones: 5-9¹⁶
Origin: North-eastern United States¹⁶

Features: The lowbush blueberry is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to about two feet high when preferences are met. They bloom in early spring with small white flowers. Edible blueberries will soon follow throughout the summer months that will attract students and wildlife alike. The leaves change to a red-purple during the fall and finally the stems turning red during the winter provides year round interest¹².

Siting: Blueberries typically prefer medium to wet soils and are not drought tolerant. They are adapted to fine, medium, or coarse soils that have a pH range of 4.7 – 7.5. They should be planted in full sun although part shade is acceptable¹⁶.

Care: Plant crown at soil level¹⁸. At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Apply 3” of mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems¹⁸.

Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.

Author: Alexander Smolka

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