Vaccinium corymbosum (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2.5m
Eventual Spread: 2.5m
Hardiness: 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Ericaceae
Vaccinium corymbosum is a deciduous shrub with an upright habit. Its dark green glossy leaves are elliptic with entire margins, up to 5cm long and 2.5cm broad. Its leaves turn yellow/ purple/ red in autumn before they fall. Its white flowers are bell shaped and up to 9mm long. Its blue/ black fruit are berries, up to 12mm across, appear in summer to early autumn and are edible.
Vaccinium corymbosum Flower (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Vaccinium corymbosum, commonly known as Blueberry or Northern Highbush Blueberry, is native to North America. In its native habitat it grows as dense thickets. It has naturalised in a number of other continents, including the UK.
The etymological root of the binomial name Vaccinium is derived from the ancient name for the Bilberry. Corymbosum is derived from the Latin meaning ‘flowers arranged in corymbs’.
The landscape architect may find Vaccinium corymbosum useful as part of a wildlife or community garden on an acid soil site, as its fruit are attractive to animals and humans. It prefers a sheltered position.
Vaccinium corymbosum Leaf (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Vaccinium corymbosum flowers are attractive to nectar loving insects. Its berries are attractive to birds and mammals.
Vaccinium corymbosum prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid pH of soil. It will not tolerate wet soils.
Vaccinium corymbosum requires little maintenance. Necessary pruning should be carried out in late winter to early spring.