The blueberry 'Sunshine Blue' keeps dancing nearly year-round west of the Cascades. Its pinkish spring flowers, semi-evergreen foliage, edible fruit, not-too-big size and fall color that lasts into December make it a good overall performer.
'Sunshine Blue' was bred for fruit production in the South, but its habit of ripening berries a bit at a time made it impractical for commercial growing -- but great for the home gardener.
PLANT PROFILE
FAMILY:
Ericaceae
SIZE:
3-4 feet tall and wide
BLOOMS:
Racemes of small, white-pink flowers in late spring and early summer
FRUIT:
Sweet, dime-size berries ripen a handful or two at a time July-August.
FOLIAGE:
Small, bluish, leathery leaves turn red, orange and purple in fall. In Willamette Valley, it's semi-evergreen, depending on how cold the winter.
HARDY TO:
USDA Zone 7 (0 degrees), possibly colder.
CULTURE:
Well-drained acidic soil in sun to part sun. Likes summer water. It's self-pollinating, but for best fruit production, plant another variety nearby.
DISEASES, PESTS:
Seldom bothered by disease, but birds love the berries. Use netting if you don't want to share.
GOOD COMPANION:
Rhododendron
REASON TO GROW:
An adaptable plant for the home gardener. Grow in a container, in small gardens, in a woodland garden or as a low hedge. Attracts wildlife.
READ MORE ABOUT GROWING BLUEBERRIES:
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"a winner for the home garden."
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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