The Pink Icing Blueberry is a unique plant offering both ornamental beauty and delicious fruit. Its distinctive name reflects its colorful foliage, which provides visual interest throughout the year. This variety is compact and has multi-season appeal.
Unique Characteristics and Appeal
The Pink Icing Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘ZF06-079’) has dynamic foliage. New leaves emerge in vibrant shades of pink, blue, and purple in the spring, creating a striking display. As the growing season progresses, these leaves transition to a deep, glossy blue-green. In cooler weather, particularly in fall and winter, the foliage transforms into iridescent turquoise or lavender-blue hues, providing year-round appeal.
Beyond its ornamental leaves, this plant produces berries that also change color. The berries start green, then ripen through shades of pink and pinkish-blue before reaching a dark blue color when fully mature and ready for harvest. The Pink Icing Blueberry typically grows to a compact size, reaching about 3 to 4 feet in height and width, which makes it an excellent option for smaller gardens, patios, or container planting.
Planting and Growing Your Pink Icing Blueberry
Successful cultivation of the Pink Icing Blueberry begins with selecting the right location and preparing the soil. This plant thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates.
Blueberries require highly acidic, well-draining soil. The ideal pH range for Pink Icing Blueberry is between 4.5 and 5.5. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can amend it with peat moss, elemental sulfur, or other acid-loving amendments. Good drainage is also crucial; if you have heavy clay soil, incorporating organic matter like compost can significantly improve its structure and drainage.
When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots, and place it in the center of the hole. Backfill with your prepared acidic soil mixture, ensuring the plant is at the same depth as in the nursery pot. If planting multiple bushes, space them approximately 3 to 5 feet apart. For container planting, select a pot that is at least 24 inches in diameter.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for the Pink Icing Blueberry, particularly during its establishment period and dry spells. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as blueberries have shallow root systems that require steady moisture. Container-grown plants generally require more frequent watering than those in the ground. Using neutral pH rainwater can be beneficial if your tap water is alkaline.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and fruit production. It is recommended to feed Pink Icing Blueberries in early spring before new growth begins, using a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Over-fertilization can be detrimental, so follow product instructions carefully.
Pruning typically begins in the third year after planting and is generally minimal for this compact variety. The best time to prune is during the dormant winter months. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, weak, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and encourage new, productive growth. This helps maintain the plant’s shape and promotes better berry yields.
The Pink Icing Blueberry is known for its disease resistance. However, birds can be a concern as berries ripen. Covering plants with netting as the fruit begins to ripen can protect the crop from birds.
Harvesting and Enjoying Pink Icing Blueberries
Harvesting delicious Pink Icing blueberries is the culmination of your care. The berries typically ripen in mid-summer, often from July through August, though some sources indicate a harvest as early as late May to early June in certain climates. The key indicator of ripeness is their color and how easily they detach from the bush.
To harvest, gently cup the ripe berries and lightly pull; if they are ready, they will come off easily without resistance. Avoid picking unripe berries, as they will not sweeten further once removed from the plant. The Pink Icing blueberry produces large, firm, and sweet berries with a robust flavor, often described as having a hint of wild blueberry.
These versatile berries are excellent for fresh eating directly from the bush. They are also well-suited for various culinary uses, including baking into muffins, pies, or crumbles, making jams or preserves, or adding to salads. For long-term enjoyment, harvested berries can be frozen.