Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blue Ray'
Highbush Blueberry
- Old stand by; outstanding yields
- Mid Season variety
Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Prefers acidic, organically rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Mulching is beneficial. Blueberries are self-fertile but the best fruit crop is produced with cross-pollination from more than one variety. Flowers can be removed from newly planted shrubs in the first and second year to encourage vegetative growth. Pruning can be done as needed in late winter, staring the third year after planting. Plants can be fertilized in spring with a fertilizer made for acid loving plants, do not fertilize in the first year.
Additional Characteristics & Attributes:
Attributes:
- Mass Planting
- Edible
- Specimen
- Fragrant
- Garden
- Border or Bed
- Fall Color
- Native
- Drought Tolerant
- Cold Tolerant
- Salt Tolerant
Exposure:
- Full Sun
- Partial Sun
Habit:
- Upright
- Mounding
Foliage Color:
- Dark Green
Season of Interest (Flowering):
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage):
- Fall
Attracts Wildlife:
- Attracts Songbirds
- Attracts Pollinators
- Attracts Butterflies
Soil Moisture:
- Average Water
- Moist, Well-Drained
Genus Overview: Vaccinium
Common Name: Highbush Blueberry
Upright deciduous shrub with dark green, ovate to elliptic leaves and bright coppery-red fall color. Loose clusters of white, urn-shaped flowers bloom in spring. Round, sweet berries are dark blue to purple with a dull, blue-gray bloom on their surface. Great as an ornamental shrub in borders or open woodlands or grown specifically for their fruit.