Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke' (northern highbush blueberry)
northern highbush blueberry (2 gallon, 30")
'Duke' is a cultivar of highbush blueberry. Highbush blueberry, the most common commercially grown blueberry in North America, is an upright, deciduous shrub that typically grows 6–12’ tall and wide. Best grown in acidic (pH of 4.5 to 5.5), organically rich, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Shallow, fibrous roots need constant moisture and good drainage. Plants appreciate a good organic mulch. Leaves turn to a brilliant red, orange, yellow, and/or purple in autumn. The 'Duke' cultivar grows 5-7' tall. It tends to flower late, but produce an abundant crop of berries earlier than the straight species does. The Royal Horticultural Society has named this cultivar a plant of merit.
Highbush blueberry is native to the eastern and southern U.S. as far south as Florida. In Maryland, it is found on the Western shore and in far Western Maryland. It is often found in dense thickets in wooded areas or open areas with moist acidic soils. In natural habitats, the berries are a food source for native and migrating birds, bears, and small mammals. The foliage is browsed by deer and rabbits.
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