Blueberry Plant Care

Blueberry (Cyanococcus subcordatus) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Cyanococcus genus. Blueberry is native to central Canada and the central and eastern United States. Blueberry is also known as Blueberry bush.

Blueberry displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Blueberry produces bell-shaped white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Blueberry every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Blueberry thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Cyanococcus subcordatus tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Blueberry prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Acidic, well-draining soil mix with high organic content like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Blueberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Blueberry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and acidic, well-draining soil mix with high organic content like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Blueberry is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Blueberry can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Blueberry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Blueberry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Blueberry can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Blueberry is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Blueberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Blueberry is native to central Canada and the central and eastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Blueberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.