The mature width of a blueberry bush is highly variable, determined by the plant’s genetics and the environment where it grows. Understanding the ultimate spread is an important consideration for successful garden planning, especially when planting in rows or limited spaces. The species and cultivar selected establish the maximum potential size, but cultural practices and local conditions heavily influence the final dimensions. Gardeners must know the typical size ranges for common types and the methods available to manage that growth.
Typical Widths by Blueberry Variety
The genetic background of a blueberry bush determines its inherent growth habit and potential mature width. Highbush blueberries, the most common type for home gardens, are categorized into Northern and Southern varieties. Northern Highbush varieties, such as ‘Bluecrop’ or ‘Jersey,’ are large, upright shrubs that reach a spread of 5 to 10 feet at maturity. Southern Highbush varieties are slightly more compact, generally growing to a width of 4 to 8 feet.
Rabbiteye blueberries thrive in warmer climates and are known for their vigorous growth, achieving a mature spread of 6 to 10 feet. In contrast, Lowbush blueberries are a ground-hugging species, rarely exceeding 1 to 2 feet in width, but they spread by rhizomes to form a dense patch. Half-High blueberries are hybrids of Highbush and Lowbush types, offering a medium size that typically spreads about 3 to 4 feet wide.
Factors That Determine Bush Size
While genetics establish the potential size, environmental factors dictate whether a blueberry bush reaches its full spread. The shallow, fibrous root system necessitates highly acidic soil, ideally with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. If the soil pH is too high, the plant struggles to absorb nutrients, leading to slow growth and failure to reach its maximum size.
Sunlight exposure also plays a significant role in determining a bush’s ultimate vigor and fullness. Bushes planted in full sun (six or more hours of direct light daily) will be larger, denser, and healthier than those in partial shade. Consistent moisture is equally important for the shallow roots; inadequate water can severely stunt growth and limit the final width. Blueberry bushes grow slowly, taking about 5 to 10 years to achieve their full mature dimensions.
Pruning Techniques for Width Control
Gardeners can actively manage the bush’s spread through specific pruning techniques, typically performed during the dormant winter season. Controlling the width begins at the base by managing basal shoots that emerge from the crown area. A common practice is to define a base circle, such as 12 to 18 inches in diameter, and remove any canes that sprout outside that boundary.
Removing low-angled or sprawling canes that hang close to the ground also helps to narrow the bush’s footprint. These branches are often unproductive and can harbor disease if they contact the soil. To maintain an open, upright shape and prevent the bush from becoming too dense and wide, the oldest, thickest, and grayer canes should be removed completely at the base.
This process, known as renewal pruning, removes less productive wood and encourages the growth of new, vigorous, and upright canes from the crown. The goal is to maintain an open center, allowing better air circulation and light penetration, which limits excessive lateral spread. Removing one or two of the oldest canes each year helps keep the bush productive and within a manageable size.
Planting Distance and Spacing Needs
The mature width of a blueberry variety directly informs the necessary planting distance to ensure long-term plant health and productivity. For large Highbush and Rabbiteye varieties, the recommended spacing between individual bushes is typically 4 to 6 feet. This distance prevents overcrowding, ensures adequate sunlight reaches the entire plant, and minimizes disease risk by allowing for good air flow.
If the goal is to create a solid, continuous hedgerow, bushes can be planted closer together, often spaced at 2 to 2.5 feet apart. This tighter spacing allows the branches to intermingle and form a dense screen. When planting in multiple rows, the distance between the rows should be substantial, generally 8 to 10 feet, to allow for maintenance access and full lateral expansion. Lowbush varieties, due to their smaller 1 to 2-foot spread, can be planted much closer, typically 2 to 3 feet apart.