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Japanese Blueberries Vaccinium oldhamii

Other Common Name(s):

Description

Japanese blueberries are in the Ericaceae (heath) family and native to east China, South Korea, and Japan. This multistemmed edible shrub can grow to a height of 12 feet and requires a moist site with good drainage and prefers soil that is rich in peat or loamy. It does best in full sun with soil that has an abundance of acid. Growing it in locations not providing full sun will result in less-than-desired fruit production. 

It does not like its roots disturbed, so start or plant in pots until a permanent location is chosen. Seed can be started in a greenhouse in a somewhat shady area. Spending their first winter in these conditions will be beneficial for the seedlings. In late spring or early summer, they can then be planted outdoors in a permanent location protected from high winds.

This blueberry can be used in a wide range of locations: in a container, meadow, naturalized area, patio, pond, or woodland. Include it as a border, privacy hedge, or mass planting in an edible garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant problems:  No significant problems. Leaves will become chlorotic in high pH soils.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Vaccinium.

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Tags:
#deciduous#shrub#deciduous shrub#thickets#edible fruits#acidic soils tolerant#shrub borders#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shrub#deciduous shrub#thickets#edible fruits#acidic soils tolerant#shrub borders#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Vaccinium
    Species:
    oldhamii
    Family:
    Ericaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    E. China, S. Korea, and Japan
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts pollinators.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Edible fruit
    Edibility:
    The fruits are edible both raw and cooked.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Broad
    Multi-stemmed
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Blue
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruits are in the form of a small, dark berry which are darker and smaller than other blueberries.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Urn
    Flower Petals:
    fused petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Each raceme can have 8 to 20 nodding flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Papery
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The upper surface of the leaves is sprinkled with bristles. More bristly on the midrib and the veins on the underside.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Description:
    Multi-branched.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Pond
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Attracts:
    Pollinators