Geranium_gem's Garden
Blueberry
Genus: Vaccinium.
Species: Vaccinium corymbosum.
Vaccinium corymbosum.
'Top Hat' variety. Bought 2012.
Compact shrub produces flowers in June and fruit in July/August. Height 50cm.
This dwarf variety is perfect as a border, rock garden or container plant on the patio. The mature bush reaches a maximum height and spread of just 16-24in. It produces heavy crops of medium sized fruits of outstanding flavour in July and August. The foliage turns a blazing crimson colour in the autumn.
This bush is self-pollinating, but if you want a bigger fruit yield, grow one or two other half-high varieties of blueberries.
Blueberries prefer acidic soil (or ericaceous compost in a container) in a sunny or semi-shaded position.
Water with rainwater as tapwater can make the soil/compost more alkaline over time. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist at all times OR Water your potted blueberry when the soil is dry to a depth of two inches.
Feed with a fertilizer specifically intended for acid-loving plants. Continue to feed your blueberry monthly during the growing season. Once the plant stops producing berries in late summer, discontinue feeding. Resume feeding when you see new growth in the spring. OR In February, apply a fertilizer listed for use on rhododendrons, at half the rate recommended by the manufacturer. Reapply in September, at the same rate.
Pruning is best done in Feb/March while the plant is still dormant. Prune only dead, damaged or diseased wood during the first three years. Cut off one to two of the oldest canes (stems) each year for blueberry bushes three years and older. Continue to prune dead, damaged or diseased stems as needed.
If growing in a container, put in an enclosed patio, garage or shed during cold weather to protect the roots and stems from being damaged.
It typically takes one to three years after planting the Top Hat blueberry for it to bear fruit.
