By Sambart
United Kingdom 
Hi,
I have recently planted three Blueberry bushes and the question I would like advice on is that they have sprouted what looks like to me sucker shoots,the shoots have grown much taller than the shrubs,could you please tell me what they are and do I prune them back. Thank you.
19 Aug, 2010
Answers
No, these are not suckers. Blueberries have a similar growth pattern to roses and Berberis (though unrelated to either). They throw up strong new growth from their base and from the lower parts of the older stems. These vigorous shoots are often a coppery or bronzy colour compared to the less vigorous branches of older growth. They become normal green as they age.
As time passes, these stems will produce their own side shoots that carry flowers and fruit.
19 Aug, 2010
Thanks
19 Aug, 2010