The Types of Blueberry Plants

Northern Highbush

The northern highbush blueberries grow in the northern portion of the United States. They top out at a height between 4 and 10 feet tall. The bushes have somewhat shallow roots with a wide spread. Varieties of northern highbush produce berries at different times. The early producers include bluetta and Collins. In mid-season, bluecrop and bluejay ripen. Herbert and Elliott fruit late in the season.

A cross between native southern blueberries and northern highbush created the southern highbush. These bushes have similar growth and requirements as the northern varieties. Primarily grown in the southern parts of America, the southern highbush was more recently developed. Choose sharpblue for low frost areas, jubilee for heavier soils and misty for high yields.

The rabbiteye blueberries also grow in the south. The largest of the blueberry plants, they grow up to 20 feet. Rabbiteyes require a soil pH below 5.5. Varieties include Woodard, brightwell and briteblue. Cross-pollination with a minimum of three different varieties increases yields.

Wild blueberries, referred to as lowbush, are smaller than the other types. Some develop to only 1 or 2 feet tall. The lowbush blueberries grow mostly in the northeastern United States and Canada. Use the smaller kinds, such as tophat, for planters. Burgundy has appeal for both its foliage and ease of picking.

Choose varieties from the best type for your location. Spacing depends on the variety, but most will perform better with at least 3 feet between the bushes. Dig the planting hole at least twice as wide as the root ball, or about 2 feet in diameter for bare root plants. Make the hole deep enough for the roots to sit comfortably. Replace the removed soil with a peat moss and compost mix. Fill the hole halfway with the mix and then top it with water. Finish filling in the hole and water again. Spread a 4-inch layer of mulch in a 3-foot circle around the bush.

Blueberry bushes need some maintenance. Pinch off the plant's blossoms the first two years to prevent fruiting. Allow them to produce fruit in the third year. Remove dead branches. Prune away thick areas and suckers that are weak. Apply new mulch as needed. Keep the soil well watered during the growing season.