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

Description Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Bonus’ is a highbush blueberry prized for its later blooming season and very large, grape-sized berries. The waxy, bell-shaped white flowers emerge in late spring, thereby avoiding damage from late frosts, and become very large, light blue blueberries with a sweet flavour and just a hint of acidity that ripen in late summer. Although highbush blueberries are self-fertile, cross-pollination with other similar varieties like ‘Duke’, ‘Bluecrop’ or ‘Patriot’ will result in larger berries and greater yield. Small, oval shaped green leaves take on attractive fall colour. Plants will reach five feet tall and four feet wide. Blueberry shrubs grow best in well-drained, moisture-retentive, organically rich, acidic soils. Use in the food garden, as a shrub in the mixed border, and in cottage or coastal gardens. Excellent for jams, jellies, juices, baking, freezing, and fresh eating. A nectar source for our native bees which are the primary source of pollen transfer. Song birds will happily share in the feast when the berries ripen so keep an eye out.