7-22-08: Vaccinium corymbosum

Vaccinium corymbosum We all know what blueberries are and perhaps we have a fond memory attached to them - a large bush in the neighbors garden where when we were young we could hide and eat to our delight, hours of picking with friends or relatives collecting luscious fruit...

to add to pies, muffins and pancakes, a favorite mountain patch where we once shared a blueberry gathering experience with a bear, luckily there was plenty for all. Besides its delicious taste consider how beautiful and adaptable the blueberry bush is as a garden and landscape plant. This is a substantial shrub that truly has year round beauty. In winter the older gray stems are stately, and interspersed among them are shiny red /green younger stems. In early spring the attractive bark becomes brighter, followed by the precious white bell shaped blossoms whose appearance is a sign of the sweet abundance to come. As the leaves unfurl in shades of green and bronzy red, summer brings the luscious bounty of blueberries often shared with local birds, chipmunks or even deer (Yes, blueberries need protection if YOU want all the fruit). Autumn is a glorious display of every hue of red and orange foliage of brilliant intensity. Blueberries, indeed have year round beauty. Blueberries like sun or part shade, acid soil (mulch with sawdust or bark) and thrive on summer water. Plant alone or in groups, possibly under the filtered light of jacquemontii birch or as a foreground plant in front of lilacs and purple cotinus, euphorbias or wild alpine strawberries. Blueberries have a long life and yet can produce the 1st year they are planted. Early season – DUKE Blueberry blooms late yet is early to ripen. The fruit are a light blue and are mildly sweet. It grows 4 -6 feet high and is a heavy consistent producer. Midseason – CHANDLER Blueberry is the world’s largest blueberry. This bush ripens over a six week period. The flavor is excellent, eaten fresh or in a dessert. Grows 5-7 feet high. Late – LEGACY Blueberry grows 4-6 feet tall and has one of the best tasting berries. A good grower and an abundant producer it also has excellent fall color. Other varieties we have: SUNSHINE BLUE, mid season, evergreen, small plant (3x3feet) produces berries over a long time, perfect for containers. BERKLEY, mid season, large berry with mild flavor, bright yellow wood in winter, 5- 7 feet tall. PATRIOT, early, large berry, 3-5 foot high plant with an open wide habit, great fall color. BLUECROP, mid season, great performer in the garden, a very popular plant, large berries, 4 -7 feet tall. TORO, mid season, lovely ornamental plant. Bronze spring foliage with hot pink and white flowers, very red fall color, produces large berries and grows 4-6 feet tall.

Pleasant Hill Nursery is pleased to offer:

Vaccinium corymbosum varieties in #1's #3's & #15's: Call for Prices & to Check Availability