Landscaping with Blueberries

Blueberries have delicate bell-shaped blooms in spring, glossy green leaves and delicious powder-blue to dark blue fruit throughout the summer, striking fall color, and brilliant winter wood.

Grouping by Size

Blueberry bushes vary in size from low ground covers to large bushes, though the ultimate size of your plants is dependent on many factors, including soil type, climate, cultural care, and pruning. Blueberries can be grouped into four sizes:

Lowbush: Wild, lowbush types form a ground cover up to 6 feet wide and 12 inches high.

Half-High: The half-high varieties Northsky, Northblue and Northcountry are compact and spreading, ranging from 1-1/2 feet to 3 feet tall.

Compact: These varieties grow a bit taller, reaching 3 to 4 feet in height and width, such as Patriot.

Highbush: Most highbush blueberries grow 4 to 6 feet high in the garden, while taller, more vigorous varieties can grow to 6 feet, but will get larger with an optimal site and regular pruning of non-vigorous wood. The highbush varieties are most common in the Northwest, as they thrive in our climate. We have several varieties for sale on our farm. Most highbush varieties are self-pollinating and do not require another variety to set fruit.

Hedges

Blueberries make excellent hedges if planted correctly and the right varieties are used. Place plants 2-1/2 to 3 feet apart. For uniform shape and texture, use the same variety throughout the row. For tall hedges use the faster growing, upright varieties such as Jersey or Bluecrop. For a shorter hedge, use the compact varieties, such as Patriot, and plant 2-1/2 feet apart.

Container Planting

If your soil is not suitable for blueberries, or your growing space is limited, container growing is an option. Most varieties do well in a very large, well-watered container.

Fall Color

Blueberries have striking fall foliage. Red hues from burgundy to flame, as well as bright yellow-oranges, can add rich color to the fall landscape. Color will vary somewhat with location and climate.

Winter Wood Color

The bare branches of blueberry plants have brilliant wood color that is beautiful throughout the winter months and a striking contrast to a snowy background.

Spring Flowers & Foliage

Blueberries produce delicate white, bell-shaped flowers in early to mid spring, set against glossy, green leaves.

Source: Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, inc.