Vaccinium corymbosum Chandler (Highbush Blueberry)

Noted for its giant berries and long ripening season, Vaccinium corymbosum 'Chandler' (Highbush Blueberry) is a bushy upright deciduous shrub, with small oval dark green leaves turning attractive shades of orange and red in the fall. In late spring, cylindrical creamy-white flowers give way to clusters of some of the largest blue blueberries in the mid to late season (mid-late summer). The edible blueberries are firm, sweet, flavorful, and produced for up to six weeks during the summer. Winter provides charming interest with the reddish twiggy branches forming a lovely silhouette. Although blueberries are self-fertile, cross-pollination produces the best fruit crop (larger berries and larger yields). For optimal pollination and yield plant more than one variety with the same bloom time.

• Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall and wide (150-180 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in well-drained, moisture-retentive, organically rich, acidic soil. Plant in a sheltered site and provide good organic mulch.
• Perfect for mixed shrub borders in city gardens, cottage gardens, or coastal gardens. Can be grown as a hedge or in containers. Great fruiting shrub with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Watch out for vine weevil, powdery mildews, and chlorosis (manganese and iron deficiencies).
• Prune as needed in late winter beginning in the third year after planting.
• Propagation: Take 4-6 in (10-15 cm) softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.