Written by Palmetto Bluff
Apr 29, 2020
For those who are looking to add shrubs to their landscaping, look no further than blueberries! There are multiple species native to the Lowcountry and they come in a variety of sizes. Many blueberries are deciduous, their leaves turning crimson red before falling off. However, species like Vaccinium myrsinites are evergreen, which works well for low natural borders. Probably the most obvious reason to plant blueberries is the fact that they are delicious! They are full of vitamins and antioxidants and are a great food source not only for us but for songbirds and mammals as well. If you plan on growing blueberries to eat, I recommend planting more than necessary to account for local wildlife having a snack. One more benefit of adding blueberries to your yard is they are a spring food source for many bee species. Feeding on nectar and pollen, bees, in turn, pollinate the flowers which results in making berries. Next time you bite into a blueberry cobbler, make sure to thank a bee!
Here are a few recommendations on blueberry species and where to order them:
• Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) – deciduous shrub, 3-12ft
• Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum or Vaccinium asheii) – deciduous shrub, 10-15ft
• Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) – deciduous small tree, 8-15ft
• Darrow’s Blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii) – evergreen shrub, ~2ft
• Shiny Blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites) – evergreen shrub, ~3ft
• Deerberry (Vaccinium stamenium) – deciduous shrub, 5-15ft
Visit this website to order blueberry bushes.
P.S. For those who like to bake, the Conservancy team offers themselves as taster-testers for any blueberry baked goods.
