Vaccinium corymbosum 'Jersey' is a classic highbush blueberry cultivar prized for its abundant mid to late season crops of sweet medium sized berries. Its upright vigorous growth habit makes it ideal for home orchards and edible landscapes. In spring, bell shaped white flowers provide ornamental interest, followed by dense clusters of blue fruit in summer and brilliant red to orange foliage in autumn.
Height & Spread: 5 - 8 ft x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Acidic, moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist during fruiting
Deer Resistance: Low; protect fruit from browsing wildlife
Native Status
Derived from the native North American highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), this cultivar supports local ecosystems and thrives in temperate climates with acidic soils.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Provides spring nectar and pollen to bumblebees, honeybees, and solitary bees essential for pollination.
Butterflies
- Foliage supports caterpillars of spring and summer butterfly species including Hairstreaks and Azures.
Birds
- Attracts fruit loving birds such as robins, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings when berries ripen.
Beneficial Insects
- Encourages predatory insects that help manage pests in surrounding plantings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 4 - 6 ft spacing between plants for full growth and optimal fruit production.
Landscape Placement:
- Use in edible gardens, mixed borders, and wildlife friendly landscapes where seasonal interest is appreciated.
Companion Plants
- Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) - Low evergreen groundcover with berries that complement blueberries.
- Azalea mollis (Deciduous Azalea) - Bright flowers add seasonal color while thriving in similar conditions.
- Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) - Summer blooms attract pollinators and enhance wet acidic beds.
- Rhododendron catawbiense - Shares acidic soil preference and provides structure and spring blooms.
- Fothergilla gardenii - Compact native shrub with fragrant spring blooms and vivid fall foliage.