What Kind of Blueberries Grow Best in Partial Shade?

Potential

• Blueberries flourish under full sun. If your planting location has partial shade, however, the plants can still grow, as long as they still get some sunlight during the day. However, don't expect the plants to do as well. As shade increases, the bushes will produce fewer flowers and fruit production will drop off. Planting locations surrounded by trees are too shady for blueberries, and the air circulation is poor. North Carolina State University horticulturists say you should aim for no more than 50 percent shade. The one exception may be in hot climates such as Southern California and Texas. In those warmer areas, blueberry bushes need some shade to offer relief and protection from hot summer temperatures.

Consideration

• To counteract the lack of sunlight, make sure the soil is highly acidic. Blueberries prefer a soil pH of 4 to 5.5. Any other soil will contribute to the lack of fruit and flower production.

'Bluecrop'

• Blueberry 'Bluecrop' or Vaccinium Corymbosum is a mid-season bush that produces a heavy crop of flavorful blueberries in late July to August. It grows in an upright manner, prefers full sun to partial shade. Bluecrop handles drought and spring frost well. It's considered a great all-around variety for producing heavy yields of fruit.

Rabbiteye Blueberries

• Rabbiteye blueberries can handle considerable shade, as long as the soil is not water-logged or clay-like and has a low pH of 4.2 to 5.5. They grow in an open, spreading form, achieving heights of 12 feet tall. The roots grow close to the soil surface, so they are damaged easily by cultivation. Gardeners should plant them in sun or semi-shade, about 4 feet apart. A small amount of acid-type fertilizer will promote growth, but rabbiteyes can die from too much.

Other Options

• Some shrubs that are related to blueberries grow very well in partial shade, offering many of the same benefits. Bilberries, lingonberries, red and evergreen huckleberries need acidic soil. Keep the soil moist but well-drained. Lingonberries grow very well in partial shade because they like to avoid hot afternoon sun. Evergreen huckleberries actually grow better in shade than sun. All of these plants produce fruits that are high in oxidants and tasty.