Vaccinium Rubel (Highbush Blueberry)
A vigorous grower with a heavy fruit set, Vaccinium ‘Rubel’ (Highbush Blueberry) is a bushy upright deciduous shrub, with oval dark green leaves turning brilliant red shades in the fall. In late spring, bell-shaped, white flowers give way to abundant clusters of small, firm, intensely flavorful blueberries which ripen in midseason (mid-late summer). The berries are reported to have twice the antioxidant value of other varieties.
A vigorous grower with a heavy fruit set, Vaccinium 'Rubel' (Highbush Blueberry) is a bushy upright deciduous shrub, with oval dark green leaves turning brilliant red shades in the fall. In late spring, bell-shaped, white flowers give way to abundant clusters of small, firm, intensely flavorful blueberries which ripen in midseason (mid-late summer). The berries are reported to have twice the antioxidant value of other varieties. 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 5-7 ft. tall (150-210 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
- This plant is best grown in full sun to part shade 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 4-6in (10-15cm) softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3 – 7 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 7 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Vaccinium – Blueberries |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 5' – 7' (150cm – 210cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 48″ (120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |