Afin de toamna cu fructe mari si dulci - Vaccinium corymbosum 'Elliott'

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Elliott', also known as highbush blueberry 'Elliott', is a blueberry cultivar from the Ericaceae family, valued for its late, large, and sweet fruits, as well as its excellent cold resistance. Developed in the USA, this variety is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, or small orchards, offering abundant harvests and a decorative appearance with colorful foliage in autumn. It is a robust shrub, suitable for temperate climates, producing superior quality fruit.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are oval, glossy dark green, with serrated edges, 4-6 cm long. In autumn, they turn shades of red-orange, providing a colorful display.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, white, bell-shaped, grouped in clusters, appearing in April-May. They are discreet but attract pollinators such as bees.
• Fruits: The fruits are large blueberries, deep blue, with firm pulp and a sweet-tart taste, excellent for fresh consumption, juices, or freezing. They ripen late, in September-October, with a high yield.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Reaches 1.5-2 meters in height and 1-1.5 meters in width, forming an upright, well-branched shrub.
• Vigor: Moderate growth, with sturdy stems and high productivity, about 4-6 kg per shrub.
• Type: Deciduous perennial shrub, with leaves falling in winter.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun for optimal fruiting but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Grows in acidic soils (pH 4.5-5.5), fertile, well-drained, rich in organic matter. Add peat or pine needles if the soil is neutral.
• Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch the base to retain moisture.
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 3-7 (down to -35°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Extremely cold-hardy, disease and pest resistant. Tolerates moderate drought and urban pollution.
• Fertilization: Apply fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring and summer.
• Pruning: Prune in spring, removing dry or weak branches to stimulate fruiting.
• Propagation: Propagated by stem cuttings or dividing clumps in spring.

Usage

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Elliott' is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, or small orchards. Its sweet fruits are excellent for fresh consumption, juices, jams, or freezing. It pairs well with other berries or acid-loving plants. Attracts pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Vaccinium corymbosum is native to North America. The 'Elliott' cultivar was developed in the USA for its late fruits and cold resistance.

Resistance: withstands -35 degrees Celsius and drought. Immune to most diseases and pests. Does not require spraying and is generally considered 'Pest Free'.

Pot size: 9 cm

Height including pot: approx. 30 cm (varies depending on season). 

Note: In the cold season, garden plants are sold shortened and without leaves.