Afin productiv in ghiveci - Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop' D19

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop' , also known as 'Highbush Bluecrop' (Highbush Blueberry), is a blueberry cultivar in the Ericaceae family, considered one of the most popular and reliable varieties due to its consistent productivity, tasty fruit and excellent hardiness. Native to North America, this deciduous shrub is ideal for gardens, commercial crops or containers, offering both culinary and ornamental value.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are oval, dark green , glossy, 4-5 cm long. In autumn, they turn into vibrant shades of bright red and orange , adding a spectacular decorative effect.
• Flowers : In late spring (May-June), bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers with a pale pink tinge appear, grouped in clusters. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.
• Fruit : The fruit is a medium to large , light blue bilberry with a firm texture and a sweet-sour taste, perfect for fresh consumption, desserts, jams or freezing. It ripens in mid-summer (July), forming abundant clusters.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : It grows as an erect, vigorous shrub, reaching 1.5-2 meters tall and 1.2-1.8 meters wide , making it suitable for medium gardens or group plantings.
• Vigor : It has moderate growth, with robust branches, forming a dense, well-structured bush.
• Type : It is a deciduous shrub with several stems that produces few shoots from the root, maintaining a tidy shape.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun for optimal fruiting, but tolerates partial shade , with slightly reduced production. A location sheltered from strong winds protects flowers and fruit.
• Soil : Requires an acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) , rich in humus , well-drained , but which retains moisture. The addition of peat, pine needles or acidic compost is essential to adjust the soil pH.
• Watering : It needs regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting, to prevent the soil from drying out. A layer of organic mulch (e.g. bark or pine needles) helps retain moisture and protect the roots.
• Pollination : It is self-fertile , but cross-pollination with other blueberry varieties with a similar flowering period (e.g. 'Darrow' or 'Toro') increases fruit production and quality.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : It is extremely hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -25°C to -30°C (zones 4-8), making it ideal for temperate climates, including Romania. It tolerates winters well, but mulch is recommended to protect the roots in very cold areas.
• Fertilization : Apply a fertilizer for acidophilic plants (e.g. for rhododendrons) in early spring, avoiding excess nitrogen which favors leaves at the expense of fruit.
• Pruning : In the first two years, remove the flowers to stimulate root and branch development. From the third year, prune in February-March dead, weak or older branches than 5-6 years to encourage fruiting and maintain the shape of the shrub.
• Pests and Diseases : It is resistant to most diseases, but can be affected by gray mold or insects such as aphids. Good ventilation and adequate drainage prevent problems. The fruits attract birds, so protective netting may be necessary.
• Fauna : The flowers support pollinators such as bees, and the fruits are also consumed by birds (e.g. blackbirds, thrushes) and small mammals.

Use

Blueberry 'Bluecrop' is ideal for fruit gardens , ornamental borders or commercial crops due to its consistent productivity and quality fruit. It can be grown in large containers on terraces if the soil is acidic and drainage is good. The fruit is excellent for fresh consumption, juices, tarts, jams or freezing, and the autumn foliage adds aesthetic value. It is suitable for cottage gardens or naturalistic landscapes.

Origin

Vaccinium corymbosum, the species to which the 'Bluecrop' Blueberry belongs, is native to eastern North America, where it grows in swamps, acidic forests and wetlands. The 'Bluecrop' Blueberry cultivar was developed in the USA in the 1950s, being introduced for its excellent hardiness, high productivity and adaptability to various conditions. It is one of the most widely grown blueberry varieties globally due to its reliability and fruit quality.

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop' is a benchmark blueberry, impressing with its sweet-tart fruit, consistent productivity and decorative autumn foliage. With simple care – acidic soil, sun and regular watering – this shrub provides generous harvests and adds beauty to the garden. It is ideal for gardeners who want an edible, hardy and versatile plant, suitable for home consumption, ornamental landscapes or commercial crops.

Height with pot included approx. 50 cm