Description
Ericaceae (family name)
Forage for Pollinators: Produces Nectar for Short and Long-tongued Bumblebees, Solitary Bees and to a lesser extent Honeybees.
Flowering time: May, June.
Growing information: DECIDUOUS SHRUB growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). Prefers well-draining damp soil of pH 4.5-5.5. (If you wish to grow a few of these and your soil is on the alkaline side, it is possible to dig out a raised bed, line with geotextile, and replace the soil in which you incorporate ‘Flowers of Sulphur’ at the rate of 135g/m2 for sandy soil, and 270g/m2 for clay soil, medium loam, somwhere between the two. This will drop the pH by approximately 1 point). And to maintain an acid medium, mulch generously with composted pine-bark (which has not been pH adjusted) or pine-needles. Hardy to minus 45ºC. This variety ‘Bluecrop’ is the only self-fertile variety of Blueberry, therefore can be grown on its own, whereas others need to be grown with at least one other variety which flowers at the same time to set fruit. Produces delicious summer fruit, with help from bees who love their fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers, as much as we love the fruit. Also an excellent container plant (needing ericaceous compost) as it has a relatively small root-ball. Pollinated by Honeybees and Bumblebees.
