Vaccinium corymbosum Brigitta- American Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Brigitta' is a mid-season variety of blueberry with large fruits. Growing relatively slowly, this ramified bush reaches about 1.80 m (6ft) in height. In May, it is covered with small white bell-shaped flowers, which are very decorative against the fairly dark green foliage. These flowers develop into large dark blue berries, which can be harvested in August. Firm and sweet, with a slight acidity, they can be eaten fresh, used in jams, or in desserts. In autumn, the foliage turns beautiful shades of red. Resistant to cold weather, this variety is relatively easy to grow in non-calcareous soil and requires little maintenance. In all blueberry plants, fruiting is even more abundant if another variety is planted nearby.

The Blueberry belongs to the family of Ericaceae, mostly known in gardens for its many ornamental genera. Besides the well-known Rhododendrons and Heathers, it also includes other valuable plants such as Pieris, Kalmia, Enkianthus, Gaultheria, and Oxydendrum. But there are also Ericaceae with edible fruits, mainly the Arbutus and the genus Vaccinium, which includes blueberries, cranberries, and lingonberries. The lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), native to North America, is the one cultivated in gardens for its abundant and high-quality fruit production. It is an extremely hardy bush with deciduous foliage, which falls in autumn. It is easy to grow in very acidic soil (not tolerant of limestone), in a semi-shaded position, for example in the morning sun.

The cultivar 'Brigitta' is an Australian horticultural achievement suitable for mechanical harvesting due to its firm fruits. It is a relatively slow-growing bush that stands out for its well-ramified habit and large dark blue fruits. With a fairly upright habit, this bush reaches about 1.80 m (6ft) in height and 0.80 m (3ft) in width. The deciduous foliage consists of fairly dark green elliptical and pointed leaves. Its upright branches take on beautiful autumnal colours, in shades of red and even orange, giving it true ornamental value. This is enhanced by its charming flowering, when in May this bush is covered with small white bell-shaped flowers. These flowers with fused petals (or gamopetalous) closely resemble those of other purely ornamental Ericaceae such as Pieris, well-known small shrubs. In Brigitta, these flowers develop into large dark blue blueberries, sweet, fragrant, and slightly acidic. They can be harvested during the month of August.

From a nutritional standpoint, it is worth noting that blueberries are low in calories but high in nutritional value: they are very rich in vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, and iron. They contain pigments (anthocyanins) that improve night vision. Brigitta blueberries can be consumed freshly picked, in desserts, cooked, or in jams. The fruit can be stored for about ten days after picking and can be frozen for longer preservation (this variety is well-suited for freezing).

Blueberries absolutely cannot tolerate limestone and must be grown in very acidic soil (pH 4 to 5.5). Therefore it will be imperative to plant them in a container if your soil is alkaline, using a substrate composed of ericaceous soil, possibly supplemented with peat. Water them with non-calcareous water (rainwater will be suitable). If your soil is neutral or slightly acidic, you can dig a sufficiently large hole (50 cm (20in) in all directions) and mix some peat or ericaceous soil with the existing soil, along with a bit of compost. This will ensure good living conditions for your Blueberry bush. Very hardy, down to -20°C (-4°F) or lower, this bush appreciates humidity and partial shade in warm climates.

Plant Brigitta alongside other varieties to allow for cross-pollination and thus promote a good harvest. Its decorative flowering, and especially its flamboyant autumn colours, are very interesting aesthetically and lend this bush to being planted among ornamental plants. At the edge of your flowerbed, plant the dwarf Andromeda polifolia Compacta, a delightful creeping shrub with beautiful small pink bells from April to June. To enhance Brigitta's flowering, associate it with one of the many Mountain Laurels, such as Kalmia latifolia Latchmin with its magnificent purple bells. And in the background of the flowerbed, a beautiful Magnolia Galaxy will offer its superb pink flowering for two months, preceding that of your Blueberry bush.