Andean Blueberry Plant Care

Andean Blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Vaccinium genus. Andean Blueberry is native to the mountains of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, and may have been introduced to Jamaica. Andean Blueberry is also known as Blueberry.

Andean Blueberry displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Andean Blueberry produces bell-shaped white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Andean 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.

Andean Blueberry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Vaccinium meridionale tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Andean Blueberry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with high organic content, such as peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Andean Blueberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Andean 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 full sun to partial 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.

Andean 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.

Andean Blueberry can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Andean 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.

Andean 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.

Andean Blueberry can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cranberry plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Andean Blueberry is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, fruitworms. 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.

Andean Blueberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Andean Blueberry is native to the mountains of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, and may have been introduced to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Andean Blueberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.