What Do Blueberries Grow On?

Northern Highbush Blueberries

• Northern highbush blueberries (V. corymbosum) is the most commonly cultivated blueberry in the United States. It is native to the northeastern United States and is still grown there. Highbush blueberries can grow between 5- to 9-feet tall, depending on the cultivar. Although some varieties of northern highbush are considered self-fertile, they typically produce a larger crop if cross-pollinated. Northern highbush typically require between 600 to 1,000 chilling hours, the hours between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, each winter.

Southern Highbush Blueberries

• Southern highbush blueberries (V. darrowii) are a hybrid between northern highbush and one or more southern blueberry species. They have a lower chilling requirement than northern highbush, usually between 200 and 600 hours, which allows them to be grown in the southern United States. They typically grow between 6- to 8-feet tall. As with northern highbush, these blueberry bushes may be listed as self-fertile but will do better if cross-pollinated. Rabbiteyes may be used as a pollinator for southern highbush, although southern highbush's peak bloom is usually before rabbiteyes'.

Rabbiteye Blueberries

• Rabbiteye (V. virgatum, syn. V. ashe) is a blueberry type frequently planted and grown wild in the southeastern United States. It is more adaptable to soil types including high pH levels, dry soil and less fertile soils. They are not as cold hardy partially because they bloom earlier and ripen later than highbush. Rabbiteyes grow from 6- to 10-feet tall. Most rabbiteye are not self-fertile and require cross pollination. Rabbiteyes may be used as a pollinator for southern highbush, although rabbiteye's peak bloom is usually after southern highbush's.

Lowbush Blueberries

• Lowbush (V. angustifolium) are grown across the northern United States and still harvested in the wild. Lowbush is said to have a better flavor than other blueberries. It is much shorter than other blueberry types, only grow about 1/2- to 2-feet tall. They have dark green leaves which turn a reddish bronze in the fall.

Half-High Blueberries

• Half-high blueberries are a cross between northern highbush and lowbush blueberries. They were designed to be a blueberry for colder climates. Half-high blueberries can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -35 to -45 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow about 3- to 4-feet tall. Fruit yield for half-high blueberries tends to be lower than highbush's yield, but they have a good berry quality and retain a "wild" blueberry flavor.