Blueberries grow on perennial woody bushes, correctly classified as shrubs. They belong to the Vaccinium genus, the same botanical family as cranberries and bilberries. These flowering plants are native to North America and produce indigo or blue-colored fruit. Blueberry types, both wild and cultivated, vary in size from small, ground-hugging plants to large, upright shrubs.
The Structure of Blueberry Plants
Blueberry plants are deciduous, perennial shrubs that maintain a woody structure above ground year-round. Their stems, called canes, emerge from a crown near the soil line. New canes grow each season, and older, less productive canes are pruned out to encourage new growth and maintain fruit yield.
These shrubs are shallow-rooted, lacking the deep taproot common in many fruit crops. The root system consists of fine, fibrous roots concentrated in the top six to twelve inches of soil. Blueberry roots lack protective root hairs, making them highly dependent on specific soil conditions for nutrient and water absorption. They compensate by forming an association with mycorrhizal fungi, which facilitates nutrient uptake.
Identifying Major Blueberry Varieties
Blueberry bushes are categorized based on growth habit, height, and regional climate suitability. The most globally cultivated varieties are the Highbush types, divided into Northern Highbush and Southern Highbush. Northern Highbush varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum) are the most common commercial type, growing tall, typically between five and nine feet, and requiring significant winter chill.
Southern Highbush blueberries are hybrids designed for milder winters, needing fewer chilling hours than Northern types. Lowbush, or “wild” blueberries, are much smaller, rarely exceeding one and a half feet in height. They form dense, low-growing mats and are known for their small size and intense flavor.
Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum or V. ashei) are robust types native to the southeastern United States. These bushes tolerate heat and drought, often reaching six to ten feet tall. Rabbiteye varieties require cross-pollination from a different cultivar planted nearby to ensure a good fruit set.
Essential Needs for Growing Blueberries
Successful blueberry cultivation requires specific environmental conditions, especially regarding soil composition. Blueberries are acid-loving plants and must be grown in highly acidic soil, optimally between pH 4.5 and 5.5. A soil pH above 6.0 prevents the absorption of necessary nutrients like iron, causing deficiencies and reduced growth.
The fine, shallow root system requires well-drained soil that is consistently moist and rich in organic matter. Blueberry plants cannot tolerate standing water, which quickly leads to root damage and plant death. For fruit production, the bushes require chilling hours—cumulative time spent below 45 degrees Fahrenheit during winter dormancy. This period is necessary to break dormancy and trigger spring flower and fruit development.