Sunshine Blue Dwarf Blueberry Bushes

Leaves and Flowers

• In spring, new leaves will have a pale blue coloring that will change to grayish-blue as the plant matures. After the growing season in fall, the leaves will turn a crimson color that remains until spring. Bushes will have small pink flowers that will turn to white as the berries start to appear. Sunshine blue blueberry plants are self-pollinating, but the yield will increase if another variety of blueberry bush is planted next to the plant. Fruit yields with one plant can be as much as 10 lb.

Water and Light

• Plants need at least six hours of sunlight, but during the hot afternoon sun, partial shade will benefit the plant and keep it cool. The soil must be moist but not wet. If the plant is in a container, water the plant when the surface of the soil is dry. In a garden setting, a layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help keep the soil cool and moist so the plant needs less watering.

Problems

• During the growing season, if the weather is wet or the temperatures are below normal for the specific region, the blossom periods can be altered. It can affect the pollen growth and reduce the activity of bees, which will pollinate the flowers of the sunshine blue blueberry plants.

Predators

• Birds, deer and voles are common predators that will destroy a blueberry harvest. If predators are a problem, cover blueberry bushes with a cheesecloth material that will allow the sunshine to get through but keep the birds from getting the fruit. Rodenticides will keep voles away, but only a fence will block deer from getting to the blueberries.