Vaccinium corymbosum Hortblue Poppins

The Vaccinium corymbosum 'Hortblue Poppins' is a self-fertile variety of blueberry bush originating in Aotearoa New Zealand, with large, firm, tangy and tasty fruits. It is mid-season, and the blueberries can be harvested from mid-July onwards. They tolerate heat well and remain attached to the bush. In winter, this compact bush tolerates cold and snow, and can be planted at high altitudes. This bush requires a moist to wet, well-drained and acidic soil, in mild sun or partial shade.

The Vaccinium corymbosum or American blueberry belongs, like rhododendrons, heathers and andromedas, to the large Ericaceae family. In the vast majority of cases, these species prefer a rather moist and, above all, acidic soil. The presence of limestone in the soil quickly causes them to turn yellow and wither. The Vaccinium corymbosum is an irregular and bushy shrub, reaching about 1.50 m (5ft) in height and width. In May-June, it produces numerous melliferous white bell-shaped flowers, which will give rise a few weeks later to the famous dark blue, slightly powdery blueberries, gathered in abundant clusters. The fruits are less intensely flavored than our European blueberries, but they are much larger, with a diameter of up to 1 cm (<1in). These are the ones that are most often found in commerce, as they are cultivated on a large scale. However, they are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. The leaves are deciduous, lanceolate, and in autumn they take on superb, very vivid colours ranging from scarlet red to yellow and orange.

The 'Hortblue Poppins' variety, taller than it is wide, is compact, reaching a height of 1.80 m (6ft) and a width of 1.5 m (5ft) at maturity. It is self-fertile, but its production will be improved by the presence of several blueberry plants. After flowering in May, the plant bears fruit for harvesting in mid-July. The yield in the first few years is not optimal, so it needs time to establish itself. 'Hortblue Poppins' is one of the first varieties tested in the lab for its resistance to anthracnose and botrytis. The fruits are of good size and covered with a beautiful bloom. The skin is quite thick and the texture is firm, with a balanced taste.

Plant the 'Hortblue Poppins' blueberry bush in a soil without limestone. Ericaceous soil mixes can be used to correct a soil that is too heavy, compact, and clayey, but do not expect good results in a soil that is too far from the required conditions. Provide it with a sheltered location, in light shade. It is hardy down to -25°C (-13°F). Plant 2 or 3 plants of the same variety or different varieties for a more abundant harvest. Consume its fruits raw or cooked, in jams or pies.

The 'Hortblue Poppins' Vaccinium can be planted in a vegetable garden or edible garden. Its beautiful autumn colours can also be enjoyed in an ornamental garden by pairing it with plants that have the same requirements, in a mass planting of heather soil with hydrangeas, pieris or azaleas.