Blueberry Plant Care

Blueberry (Polycodium candicans) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Polycodium genus. Blueberry is native to North America, including Ontario, the eastern and central United States, and parts of Mexico. Blueberry is also known as Cranberry.

Blueberry displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Blueberry produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.

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 to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Blueberry in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content, such as 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 8 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 to full shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content, such as peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Blueberry is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 9b.

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 (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Blueberry can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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

Blueberry is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. 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 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Blueberry is native to North America, including Ontario, the eastern and central United States, and parts of Mexico.