Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’ – Highbush Blueberry – Ericaceae (The Heath Family)

Description Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bluecrop’ is a highbush blueberry prized for its later blooming season and high quality berries. In fact, about two thirds of all the blueberries planted in the Lower Mainland are ‘Bluecrop’. The waxy, bell-shaped white flowers emerge in late spring, thereby avoiding damage from late frosts. The medium to large sized, light blue blueberries are sweet, juicy, and firm and ripen in midsummer. Although blueberries are self-fertile, cross-pollination with another early season variety like ‘Duke’ will result in larger berries and larger yield. Small, oval shaped green leaves take on attractive fall colours. Average size is 6-8 feet tall and wide. Blueberry shrubs grow best in well-drained, moisture-retentive, organically rich, acidic soils. Use in the food garden, in the mixed shrub border, or in cottage or coastal gardens. Excellent for jams, jellies, juices, baking, freezing, and fresh eating. A nectar source for our bees which are the primary source of pollen transfer. Song birds will happily share in the feast of the berries. Plant in a protected location in zone 4.