Vaccinium 'Earliblue' (F)
blueberry 'Earliblue'
A deciduous, upright blueberry shrub to around 2m tall bearing clusters of white spring flowers followed by early ripening, sweetly flavoured, mid to light blue fruits in summer. The green foliage may turn shades of red and yellow in autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Blue | ||
| Autumn | Red Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Vaccinium can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple leaves and small, bell- or urn-shaped flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in a sheltered site in well-drained, moisture-retentive, acidic soil, (pH 4.5-5.5) in sun or part shade. Alternatively grow in containers or raised beds filled with peat-free, ericaceous compost . Pot grown plants benefit from winter protection. For optimal pollination and yield plant three different cultivars. For further details see blueberry cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Edible fruit
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
More mature plants benefit from regular pruning, see blueberry pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, especially if container grown
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies
Get involved
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