Star Highbush Blueberry is a vigorous upright deciduous shrub with low chill requirements and good production of very sweet yet slightly tangy large dark blueberries that ripen early. The elliptical blue-green foliage turns yellow in the fall. The white flower clusters bloom in spring. Grows best with full sun and rich, moist acidic well-drained soils. Star can be evergreen and produce a second crop in warmer climates (zone 9-10). Star is very pest and disease resistant. Should be planted with others to cross-pollinate to increase yield.
Vaccinium corymbosum are highly valuable for wildlife as well, being listed as a host plant for 32 different butterflies and moths, and provides nectar to several specialized bees. The berries and branches are good food sources for birds and mammals.
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Type: |
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Origins: |
East N. America; GA Native |
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Height: |
6' - 10' |
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Spread: |
6’ - 8' |
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Spacing: |
6' |
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USDA Hardiness Zone: |
7 - 10 |
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Culture: |
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Bloom Color: |
White |
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Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Medium Maintenance. Water regularly and mulch. Prune as needed in late winter. Chlorosis may occur in high PH soils. Blight, rot, anthracnose, canker, and mildew are occasional problems. Blueberry maggot, fruit worms, and spotted wing drosophila can damage the fruit. Mummy berry is a fungal disease that shrivels and dries the fruit- remove affected fruit immediately if spotted.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Naturalized Areas, Woodland Gardens, Rock Gardens, Hedges, Foundation Plantings, Edible Gardens, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Camellia, Wax Myrtle, Rhododendron
Image: Photo by Bottoms Nursery, Star Blueberry
