This highbush blueberry cultivar is valued not only for fruit production but also for ornamental purposes. Vaccinium 'Duke' Blueberry is an upright shrub that grows up to 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide. An early-season variety, Vaccinium 'Duke' Blueberry blooms in small, bell-shaped white flowers in May followed by clusters of sweet, juicy, medium to large blueberries that ripen early to mid June.
Throughout summer, this deciduous shrub maintains ovate dark green leaves that turn attractive shades of yellow and orange in fall. Vaccinium 'Duke' Blueberry is low maintenance; but the shallow, fibrous roots need constant moisture and good drainage. The bush attracts birds and butterflies and makes a good companion for azaleas and rhododendrons.
Blueberries are self-pollinating but planting two or more varieties with similar bloom times encourages cross-pollination, producing larger yields of larger berries. Planting early, mid-season, and late-fruiting varieties extends the blueberry season from early June to the end of the summer.
Uses: Beds, Borders, Hedges, Screens, Fruit, Native Gardens, Open Woodlands
