The Best Blueberries to Grow in Arizona

Sunshine Blue Blueberry

• The Sunshine Blue is one of the best blueberries for adapting to warm-climate areas, requiring a low 150 hours of chilling. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10. This deciduous shrub with green foliage requires full sun and needs to be watered regularly, particularly when it is exposed to high temperatures. It grows from 3 to 4 feet wide and high. It has an average growth rate and forms as a compact shrub with showy pink flowers. The flowers bloom in late spring. The best soil for this variety of blueberries has good irrigation. Prune its twigs to promote good growth and a bountiful harvest.

Southmoon Blueberry

• The Southmoon blueberry has the ability to not suffer leaf burn when exposed to plenty of sun and high temperatures. It produces large and sky-blue berries in the the early summer. This deciduous plant is also attractive with white flowers shaped like bells and a colorful foliage in the autumn months. The flowers bloom in the spring. The Southmoon has low chilling requirements and does well in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9, according to the Monrovia website. It requires full sun and a regular watering. This variety has a moderate to rapid growth rate and can reach a height and width of 6 feet. The plant does best in soil with good drainage.

Sharpblue Blueberry

• The Sharpblue blueberry thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7, which encompass much of the northern part of Arizona. Because of its compact shape and large leaves, it makes for an eye-catching landscaping plant. The deciduous leaves are a shiny green initially before changing to a reddish-orange in the autumn. It blooms with flowers that are pink and white. Plant it in soil with good drainage to prevent rot root. Pruning is also required on older plants to promote good growth. The Sharpblue has a slow growth rate, but will eventually reach a height and width of up to 4 to 5 feet. The plant blooms in late spring. It has the ability to tolerate both full sun and partial shade.