How to Care for Blueberry Plants in Cold Weather

The blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a flowering, perennial shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The flowers bloom in the spring and vary in color including white, pink or red. Blueberries are approximately half an inch in diameter and dark blue to purple. If you grow blueberry bushes, protect them from extreme cold. Cold damage can cause the plants to shrivel and fruit will grow smaller with a lower number of healthy fruit.

Pruning sheers
Straw
Leaves

Instructions

- 1
  Prune back your blueberry bushes in late fall to remove any leaves or fruit that is still on the stems. Use pruning sheers to snip off all leaves.
- 2
  Apply 3 to 4 inches of winter mulch to the base of each plant. Apply straw, leaves or evergreen boughs. This will keep moisture and warmth at the roots of each plant. Replenish the mulch as needed to keep the depth at 3 to 4 inches.
- 3
  Water your blueberry bushes to keep them moist in the winter. Roots and stems can suffer more damage when they are dry and brittle. The soil should remain moist and well-drained.

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