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Vaccinium formosum (Southern highbush blueberry)
1 hour care
per year
per year
4m
Max height
Max height
3m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Vaccinium formosum
Other names
Southern highbush blueberry, Swamp highbush blueberry, Southern blueberry, Vaccinium australe
Genus
Vaccinium Vaccinium
Species
V. formosum - V. formosum is an upright, deciduous shrub with elliptic to ovate, mid- to dark green leaves and clusters of urn-shaped, white flowers in spring followed by edible, dark blue fruit ready for harvest in summer.
Vaccinium formosum is: Deciduous
Habit
Suckering, Upright
Flower
White in Spring
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Bright-red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Foot and root rot Foot and root rot
General care
Pruning
Tends to have a weak structure so benefits from regular pruning.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Vaccinium formosum (Southern highbush blueberry) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Best in moist or moist but well-drained, acid, sandy loam in full sun. Tolerates partial shade but fruiting will be reduced. Needs a sheltered position. Site carefully as resents root disturbance. Self-fertile but best fruit set is achieved when three different cultivars are planted together. May be semi-evergreen in mild climates.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Vaccinium formosum
Other names
Southern highbush blueberry, Swamp highbush blueberry, Southern blueberry, Vaccinium australe
Genus
Vaccinium Vaccinium
Species
V. formosum - V. formosum is an upright, deciduous shrub with elliptic to ovate, mid- to dark green leaves and clusters of urn-shaped, white flowers in spring followed by edible, dark blue fruit ready for harvest in summer.
Native to
Eastern United States
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering, Upright
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Colour
Flower
White in Spring
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Bright-red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Tends to have a weak structure so benefits from regular pruning.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Vaccinium formosum (Southern highbush blueberry) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Best in moist or moist but well-drained, acid, sandy loam in full sun. Tolerates partial shade but fruiting will be reduced. Needs a sheltered position. Site carefully as resents root disturbance. Self-fertile but best fruit set is achieved when three different cultivars are planted together. May be semi-evergreen in mild climates.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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