Blueberry Bluesbrothers - Vaccinium corymbosum

Vaccinium corymbosum Bluesbrothers is a variety with a compact habit, not exceeding 1m in height, with dense and bushy foliage. It is also distinguished by its high production of blueberries, which form in large quantities along the branches, resembling a cluster of grapes. The fruits ripen from late July, and the harvest extends over a relatively short period until the end of August. It is self-fertile and a single plant is sufficient to obtain a bountiful harvest, although planting a few other blueberry varieties nearby can increase fruit production even further. It is best to plant in autumn, in acidic, fertile, and fairly moist soil, preferably in a shaded location.

The Blueberry bush, known as Vaccinium corymbosum in Latin, belongs to the Ericaceae family, just like cranberries, heathers, and rhododendrons. The blueberry bush, also called Highbush Blueberry or American Blueberry, is native to North America, where it grows naturally in acidic, moist, sandy, or peaty soils, along lakes and rivers, in heathlands, woodlands, and meadows in mountainous regions, up to 1600m altitude. This species is cultivated in Europe and has been developed into numerous cultivars selected for the quality and quantity of their fruits. This extremely cold-hardy (down to -30°C), deciduous shrub cannot tolerate limestone and requires very acidic soil (pH 4 to 5.5).

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluesbrothers' is a Swiss selection chosen for its high yield, sweet and juicy fruits, compact growth suitable for container cultivation, as well as its resistance to winter and diseases. This blueberry variety forms a bushy shrub with a very compact habit, reaching 1 to 1.20m in height and 0.80m in width. Like most blueberries, its growth is relatively slow. The foliage consists of medium green, elliptical, pointed leaves measuring 6 to 7cm in length and about 3cm in width. As an additional attraction, the branches display beautiful autumn colours in shades of red. In May and June, white bell-shaped flowers, measuring 0.5 to 1cm in length, appear in long pendulous clusters of 4 to 8cm at the tips of the stems. These flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects in the garden. They are followed by the formation of numerous clusters of round, medium to large fruits, measuring 10 to 15mm in diameter. The fruits have a bluish-purple colour and are covered with a light whitish bloom. The berries contain firm and juicy translucent yellowish pulp, along with the seeds.

The harvest of 'Bluesbrothers' blueberries begins from late July and continues until the end of August, or even mid-September, depending on the region. This allows for a relatively concentrated harvest, perfect for enjoying a variety of culinary delights. Blueberries should be picked when fully ripe, when they have a dark blue colour. At this stage, they are sweet, tangy, juicy, and delicious. Blueberries are delicate fruits that should be picked carefully, and they can be lightly rinsed with water. They keep well in the refrigerator. The picking process is easy and it is enjoyable to either eat the fruits right away or use them for various culinary purposes such as jellies, jams, sorbets, sauces, syrups, juices, liqueurs, crumbles, muffins, and of course, the famous blueberry pies. Low in calories but rich in minerals (manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron), vitamins C and K, fibre and antioxidants, blueberries contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.

Hardy down to -30°C, the 'Bluesbrothers' Blueberry thrives in slightly to highly acidic soil, with a preference for fertile, well-drained, and moist soil, but above all, without limestone. Once established, it quickly becomes a magnificent ornamental plant for your garden. This compact variety can easily be grown in containers, making it perfect for balconies, terraces, patios, or small city gardens. In the ground, it can be associated with other fruit trees to create a small edible hedge, but always avoiding overly sunny exposures. Within this hedge, it can be planted alongside May berries (Lonicera kamtchatika), raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, or black currants. These plants are vigorous and undemanding, making them perfectly suited for a natural garden. In ornamental gardens, the Bluesbrothers blueberry will harmonise beautifully with ericaceous shrubs, adding colour to the foliage, intensity to the flowering and fruiting, and vibrant hues to the winter wood.