About

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluetta' is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 60 cm. It features diminutive dark green leaves that transition to red in the fall before they drop. In early summer, this plant produces small white bell-shaped flowers that give way to edible blue berries.

About the genus

Vaccinium consists of either evergreen or deciduous shrubs and small trees. They feature simple leaves and produce small flowers that are shaped like bells or urns, which give way to juicy berries that may be edible.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Plant type

Fruit Edible, Shrubs

Habit

Spreading branched, Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

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. See blueberry cultivation for further advice

Pruning

Remove old, spindly stems as necessary. See blueberry pruning

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies