About
A bushy, deciduous shrub to 1.5m tall, with mid-green leaves turning to shades of yellow-orange, red and purple in autumn. Sprays of small, scented, waxy, bell-shaped white flowers in late spring are followed by edible, medium-sized blueberries. The cultivar name honors Elizabeth Coleman White (1871-1954) who with Frederick Coville developed and marketed the first commercial blueberry.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlant 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 For optimal pollination and yield plant three different cultivars. See blueberry cultivation for further advice
PruningMore mature plants benefit from regular pruning, see pruning blueberries
PropagationPropagate by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae damage especially if container grown. Protect ripening fruit with netting from birds
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, root rot and chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency; see nutrient deficiencies