This week: Highbush Blueberries for the Birds
Hello!
Do you know that a common fruit is also a gorgeous, widely available shrub perfect for attracting birds? Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium coryumbosum) is native to the eastern United States and is a favorite of songbirds who dine on its fruits. Adding this shrub to the landscape will attract Scarlet Tanagers, Eastern Bluebirds, Catbirds, Thrushes, and Northern Cardinals, to name just a few.
Highbush Blueberries and their cultivars grow between 5 and 15 tall and wide (cultivars are often desirable for their more manageable size). They thrive in full sun and are found in the wild alongside streams and lakes or in open sites where they can get a lot of sun. They bloom in April and May and are bee-pollinated—in fact, blueberry bushes support many native specialized bees. In the fall, the foliage turns brilliant shades of reds and oranges.
Highbush Blueberry bushes are a great addition to any garden—small varieties like those in the Bushel and Berry® series can be planted in containers or used as a native replacement for low-growing Boxwood. Plant full-sized varieties as part of a bird-friendly mixed border or hedgerow. Or, plant them instead of the invasive Burning Bush for an autumn exclamation point!
Blueberry bushes are easy to grow and care for if your goal is the plant’s beauty and ecological benefits. Find a sunny spot and let nature take over. You can enjoy a delicious summertime snack if you beat the birds to the berries. However, if you are an edible gardener looking to harvest a crop, you’ll need to be more strategic. This guide for blueberry beginners from WVU Extension has more information about growing blueberries as a garden crop.
Elsewhere:
Save the date! On Saturday, December 7, I’ll be at the Swissvale Night of Lights Holiday Market from 4-7, peddling garden-themed gifts. The market is indoors at 7400 Irvine St. in Pittsburgh (Swissvale Fire Hall). Stop by and say hi!
Have a good week,
Julie