Myrtille

Fruit Type: Blueberry (Highbush)
Botanical Name: Vaccinium corymbosum
Fruit Colour: Blue to blue-black
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub
Final Height: Approx. 1–2 m (depending on cultivar)
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Acidic, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil (pH 4.5–5.5)
Pollination: Self-fertile, improved yields with cross-pollination
Hardiness: Suitable for outdoor growing once established

Blueberries are highly valued fruit shrubs, appreciated for their sweet, juicy berries and ornamental seasonal appeal. Most cultivated varieties belong to Vaccinium corymbosum, commonly known as highbush blueberry, a deciduous shrub native to North America that performs reliably in European gardens.

The plants produce clusters of blue to blue-black berries with a balanced sweet-tart flavour. The fruit is excellent fresh from the bush and equally suitable for jams, desserts, and preserves. Ripening typically occurs from mid to late summer, depending on variety, sun exposure, and local climate conditions.

Blueberries grow as upright, multi-stemmed shrubs with a naturally rounded habit. Depending on the specific cultivar, mature plants may reach approximately 1 to 2 metres in height and spread, making them suitable for borders, raised beds, or larger containers.

For best performance, plant in full sun in acidic soil with a pH between approximately 4.5 and 5.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and consistently moist yet well-drained. Mulching helps retain moisture and protects the plant’s shallow root system.

In spring, urn-shaped creamy white flowers attract bees and other pollinators. While most blueberry plants are self-fertile and capable of producing fruit independently, planting more than one compatible variety flowering at the same time generally improves fruit size and overall yield.

We select our fruit plants with winter hardiness in mind, ensuring suitability for outdoor cultivation in our climate once properly established.

For gardeners seeking a shrub that offers spring blossom, abundant summer fruit, and attractive seasonal foliage, blueberries remain a highly rewarding and productive choice.