Blueberry Plant Species

Northern Highbush

• The Northern highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum) is native to eastern North America, where their range stretches from southeastern Canada to Florida and east to the Appalachians. Northern highbush blueberries grow from 5 to 9 feet tall and contains the most cold-hardy blueberry cultivars for home and commercial use. Common cultivars for use in home landscapes include "Duke," a stout, fast-growing variety that produces large, mild-tasting berries, and "Patriot," a cold-hardy variety that grows to about 4 feet tall and produces large, flat berries.

Southern Highbush

• The Southern highbush blueberry was created as a hybrid of the Northern highbush and a native species from Florida (V. darrowii). These plants were developed for cultivation in warmer climates and don't require as much time in low temperatures to flower. Southern highbush plants grow from 6 to 9 feet tall and tend to flower very early in the season, which makes them susceptible to frost damage. Common cultivars include "Gulf Coast," a quick-growing plant that produces firm berries, and "Misty," which produces heavy crops.

Rabbiteye

• Rabbiteye blueberries (V. virgatum or ashei) grow across the southeastern U.S. These natives reach heights of 6 to 10 feet and produce dark, firm-skinned berries. Rabbiteyes tolerate drought and can grow in poorer soils than many other species. This species does not pollinate itself, so be sure to plant at least two varieties in your landscape. Cultivars include "Woodard," which produces berries early in the season, and "Powderblue," a fast-growing cultivar that produces small, light-blue berries.

Lowbush

• Lowbush blueberries (V. angustifolium) are native to the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. These small plants rarely grow more than 18 inches tall, but rather spread. Though a few cultivars have been created, most lowbush blueberry plants are grown as clones and are rarely available as ornamental plants.

Half-High

• Half-high blueberries were created as hybrids of Northern highbush and lowbush plants. These 3- to 4-foot-tall shrubs are very cold hardy and tolerate temperatures to minus 45 degrees F. Cultivars for use in home landscapes include "Polaris," an early fruit-producer that grows in a compact form; "Northsky," which grows to 3 feet tall and wide, and produces sweet, small berries; and "Chippewa," a 4-foot-tall variety that produces light, firm berries in midseason.