Blueberry and Huckleberry Shrubs

Growing up in New Jersey, it was impossible for me to be ignorant of blueberries. The Garden State has a proud agricultural heritage, and of local produce, blueberries may be the most prized. They grow wild in the region, and New Jersey was the first state to cultivate them. In summer, my family would drive south to a “pick your own” farm. Some berries were devoured immediately—popped into my mouth as quickly as they were plucked from the shrub. Those that made it into my tin bucket had a long trip home in the cooler. A portion were set aside for eating fresh with homemade whipped cream, and the rest were frozen to be enjoyed in the heat of the summer. Those icy, flavorful bursts were a delicious remedy to the sweltering humidity of August.

A Feast for Birds and Butterflies

Gaylussacia and Vaccinium are two of the best genera for wildlife. Their leaves are eaten by many species of butterfly caterpillars, including sulfurs and fritillaries. The flowers are melittophilous, producing copious nectar that entices their insect intermediaries, particularly native bees. The early-spring blooms are an important source of nectar for native bees that emerge early in the growing season, such as bumble bees and smaller andrenid bees. (It’s common to find punctures at the base of flowers, made by bees looking for a shortcut to their nectar reward, a practice called nectar robbing.)

Other floral visitors include syrphid flies, horseflies, hoverflies, and elfins. Fruits are eaten and dispersed mostly by songbirds. In fact, the birds’ enjoyment of the produce may rival my own. Ecologist William Reiners observed that “during the fruiting season, bird feces have a blue color and the larger seeds of Gaylussacia baccata may be conspicuous.”

There is another thread in the intricate ecological tapestry to recommend these plants. In his book Bringing Nature Home, naturalist Douglas Tallamy notes that 288 species of moths and butterflies survive off the tender leaves of Vaccinium species. As young insects, these caterpillars are the sole food source for nestlings of 96 percent of North American bird species. Quite apart from the berries, to feed your avian neighbors, you have to feed the bugs. Tallamy also notes research showing a direct correlation between habitat destruction and bird and insect species loss. Gardeners can help stem the tide of biodiversity loss by planting natives in their yards.

In the Garden

I’ve used blueberries and huckleberries to address the varied wishes of my landscape design clients. One wanted a low-maintenance shrub for her yard that would be attractive throughout the year. Another was looking for a plant that would thrive in a container for his windy terrace. A third was interested in creating a little oasis for wildlife using native flora. The edible berries are a tasty bonus (if you can beat the birds to them). The rather dire natural conditions these shrubs are adapted to make them hardy and versatile. They love the coddled life of a garden plant.

Of the Vaccinium species in this profile, highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum) is by far the most commonly cultivated and so offers the most choices. In the wild, it can grow nine feet tall, but most cultivars are more compact and grow to between five and eight feet. ‘Patriot’, one of the most popular cultivars, bears large fruits early in the season. Those seeking midsummer berries should consider ‘Blueray’, with big, tasty fruits, or ‘Northland’, a hardy, heavy bearer. ‘Jersey’ reliably puts out berries that ripen in late July.

There are some “half high” shrubs that have been crossed to produce the larger fruits of Vaccinium corymbosum with the shorter stature of V. angustifolium. These include ‘Top Hat’, ‘Northcountry’, and ‘Northsky’.

Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), a prostrate, very twiggy shrub, tolerates cold best among blueberry species, but it has less shade tolerance. It needs a good six hours of sunlight, which makes it perfect for a green roof. Its smaller berries hold less water than highbush fruit, making them more suitable for canning and freezing. Some cultivars known for their fall color are ‘Burgundy’, ‘Claret’, and ‘Jonesboro’. These plants flourish in pots, the larger and deeper the better. Even highbush cultivars will thrive in pots with proper pruning.

Huckleberries are not often grown as garden ornamentals, but straight species do well in the garden and can be found at nurseries specializing in native plants.

While easy to maintain once established, these shrubs do require advance preparation to ensure a long life. Competition with turf grasses is problematic for these shallow-rooted plants, so start preparing their bed in summer and fall for spring planting. Lay down a heavy layer of newspaper to kill the grass; add acidic materials like pine needles and oak leaves as mulch.

Getting the soil right is important. Incorporate composted pine bark and enough elemental sulfur to achieve a pH between 4.5 and 5.0. (Avoid using peat moss because its harvest destroys bog ecosystems). Good drainage is key. The planting hole should be as deep as the crown of the shrub and at least twice as wide.

As with all fruiting plants, blueberries and huckleberries will bear more profusely if you grow two or more cultivars to increase cross-pollination. Starting with two-year-old stock is best for longevity and fruit production.