Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Vaccinium darrowii |
| Family Name: | Ericaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Darrow's Blueberry, Little Blueberry, Evergreen Blueberry |
| Size: | 1-3 feet tall and wide |
| Plant Type: | Shrub, Perennial |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida and Georgia |
| Native to: | Florida, Georgia |
| Native range in the USA: | Mostly found in Florida and parts of Georgia |
| Conservation Status: | Not currently threatened |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in early spring or late fall |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained, acidic soil |
| Soil pH: | 4.0 to 5.5 |
| Water Requirements: | Regular watering, especially during dry periods; do not allow the soil to dry out completely |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, applied in early spring and possibly again in midsummer, depending on growth. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune annually during late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak branches and to maintain shape |
| Growth Rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate; more drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture |
| Frost Tolerance: | Good; can tolerate light frosts, especially once fully dormant. It can handle temperatures as low as about 20°F (-6°C) without significant damage. |
| Heat Tolerance: | Good; can comfortably tolerate temperatures up to about 95°F (35°C). |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; shelter from high winds is beneficial |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low; not suitable for direct coastal exposure |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 8-10 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Small, round blueberries |
| Harvest Time: | Early to mid-summer |
| Fruit Description: | Sweet and flavorful, excellent for fresh eating, jams, and baking |
| Edible Plant: | Yes |
| Edible Parts: | Fruit |
| Medicinal: | No known medicinal uses; primarily valued for nutritional content. Has high levels of vitamin C and dietary fiber as well as several other important vitamins and minerals such as manganese and potassium. |
| Flower Color: | White to light pink |
| Flower Shape: | Small, bell-shaped |
| Fragrance: | Not particularly fragrant |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Spring |
| Bloom Duration: | Lasts for several weeks |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Requires cross-pollination with another Vaccinium species for best fruit production |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly those that feed on the berries |
| Pollinators: | Bees and butterflies |
| Problematic Pest: | Can be susceptible to blueberry-specific pests like the blueberry maggot and aphids. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No, the plant is not toxic; the berries are safe and nutritious to consume. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic; berries are edible and healthy |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic; safe for wildlife and pets |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Susceptible to common blueberry diseases such as stem blight, root rot, and leaf spot |
Little Blueberry (Vaccinium Darrowii)
The Vaccinium darrowii, or Little Blueberry, is a superb choice for gardeners looking to cultivate both beauty and bounty in their landscapes. This compact shrub not only yields succulent blueberries rich in antioxidants but also enhances garden aesthetics with its year-round visual appeal. The evergreen leaves offer a lush, verdant backdrop, while the delicate white to pale pink flowers bloom enchantingly, injecting a burst of color and charm into any garden setting.
When cared for appropriately, the Little Blueberry is notably resilient, capable of prospering for many years, and potentially decades. It flourishes under a variety of conditions, although it prefers acidic soil and a bit of tender, loving care with regular watering and annual pruning to stimulate growth and fruit production. Embark on the rewarding journey of growing your own Vaccinium darrowii. It's not just about harvesting the delicious berries; it's about enjoying the year-round beauty this plant brings to your garden, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and creating a vibrant habitat for various beneficial wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this blueberry bush is an excellent addition, promising both aesthetic pleasure and a tasty harvest.
Varieties suitable for Florida
Vaccinium darrowii (Darrow's Blueberry):
Fruiting Season: Late spring to early summer.
Pollination: Partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination enhances fruit set and size.
Best Pollinators: Another Vaccinium darrowii or compatible Southern Highbush varieties.
Planting Zone Range: 7-9
Description: Compact and evergreen, Darrow's blueberry is ideal for landscapes with its ornamental qualities and produces small, flavorful berries well-suited to the Florida climate.
Southern Highbush Blueberry Hybrid Varieties:
Emerald:
Fruiting Season: Early season, typically starting in April.
Pollination: Partially self-fertile but benefits from having another Southern Highbush variety for cross-pollination.
Best Pollinators: Jewel, Star, or another Southern Highbush variety.
Planting Zone Range: 8-10
Description: Known for its large, sweet berries and high productivity, Emerald is a popular choice for growers in warmer climates due to its low chill hour requirement and early ripening.
Jewel:
Fruiting Season: Mid-season, usually peaks in May.
Pollination: Partially self-fertile; cross-pollination recommended for optimal yields.
Best Pollinators: Emerald, Star, or another Southern Highbush variety.
Planting Zone Range: 8-10
Description: Jewel produces large, firm berries with excellent flavor and is valued for its consistent yield and disease resistance.
Star:
Fruiting Season: Early to mid-season.
Pollination: Benefits from cross-pollination with another Southern Highbush variety.
Best Pollinators: Emerald, Jewel.
Planting Zone Range: 8-10
Description: Star is known for its vigorous growth and high yields of sweet, crisp berries, making it a favorite among both commercial growers and home gardeners.
These varieties are tailored to thrive in Florida's climate, providing a succession of harvests from early spring through mid-summer. Each variety offers unique qualities, from ornamental value to exceptional fruit quality, ensuring that gardeners can select plants that meet their specific needs and preferences.
Companion Planting
For Vaccinium darrowii (Darrow's Blueberry), here are some companion plants that are both Florida Native and Florida Friendly. These companions not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also support ecological diversity by attracting pollinators and other beneficial wildlife:
Florida Native Plants
Rhododendrons and Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)
Zone Range: 4-9
Benefits: These plants thrive in the same acidic soil conditions as blueberries, creating a harmonious growing environment. Their vibrant blooms provide a striking contrast to the understated elegance of Darrow's Blueberry flowers.
Use: Ideal for background planting in a mixed berry garden, enhancing both aesthetics and soil stability.
Pine Trees (Pinus spp.)
Zone Range: 3-11
Benefits: Pine trees help acidify the soil as their needles decompose, which is beneficial for blueberries. They also offer dappled shade, which can protect blueberries from intense midday heat.
Use: Plant strategically around the perimeter of your blueberry patch to provide shade and organic matter.
Ferns (Various species)
Zone Range: 3-11 depending on species
Benefits: Ferns add texture and ground cover without competing aggressively with blueberries for nutrients. Their presence helps maintain soil moisture and health.
Use: Suitable for underplanting in blueberry gardens, where they help create a lush, layered look.
Florida Friendly Plants
Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: The lush foliage and fragrant white flowers of gardenias complement the more subtle textures of blueberry bushes, while also attracting pollinators.
Use: Plant alongside or in close proximity to blueberries for a delightful contrast and to attract beneficial insects.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: Yarrow attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps that can help control pests that target blueberries. Its flowers also add vibrant splashes of color.
Use: Plant in sunny spots near blueberries to enhance biological pest control and visual interest.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Zone Range: 3-11
Benefits: Mint repels some common pests and can help deter deer and rabbits from snacking on your blueberries. However, mint is invasive, so it should be planted in containers to keep it from overtaking the garden.
Use: Place mint containers around your blueberry plants to protect them from pests while adding a refreshing aroma to your garden layout.
These companion plants help create a diverse and resilient ecosystem around your Darrow's Blueberry plants, promoting healthy growth and a vibrant garden.