Blueberry Pink Lemonade (Vaccinium ashei) Fruit Bush 3ltr Pot

About Blueberry Pink Lemonade

A real garden novelty, this unique variety is the result of many years of research and development by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Pink Lemonade brings blueberries to a whole new level – providing year round colour and interest in the garden. The blush white, bell-shaped flowers provide plenty of spring interest, these are then followed by pale green fruits in the summer which become dappled with pale pink and finally ripen to a deep glossy pink colour. In autumn the leaves turn bright orange, fading to deep red, before falling to reveal an attractive framework of dusky red-brown branches in winter. The fruit is deliciously sweet and has a lovely firm texture.

• Self fertile
• Planting Distance 1.5m apart
• Height & Spread 1.5m x 1.5m
• Crops August/ September

The blueberry is one of the most popular fruits in the country. The pink lemonade is an unusual variety that will produce fruit in August and September. The small pink berries are sweeter than most blueberries, but make a great decorative garnish or unusual offering at a dinner party. This is a high-yield fruit that can be grown in a container or garden border. The round fruits hang from brown woody stems that produce rounded green leaves that turn bright orange in the autumn and fade to red before falling in early winter. Once fallen the bush presents a elegant brown structure that adds some winter interest and texture to the space which create a wonderful year-round garden display. These wonderful berries have a subtle, sweet flavour and produce a lot of juice if crushed. Because of their subtler taste they are a wonderful fruit to use in baking, making fantastic muffins or pancake fillers.

How to grow blueberries

Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with moist, well-drained, acidic and light soil to plant your blueberry. The plant will tolerate a more shaded spot, but this will mean your fruits will take longer to ripen. Blueberries will not grow well in soil with a PH higher than 5.5, so you will get better results by planting in a container which makes the PH balance easier to control. Prune back in late autumn and look out for mildew.

How do I harvest blueberries?

The berries start to ripen from mid-summer onwards, changing from green to dusky blue when ready to pick. They won't all ripen at once, so check over plants several times. When ready, pull gently until the berry comes off the stem.

How do I store blueberries?

Blueberries can be eaten fresh or can be frozen in an airtight bag for later use. They also are a very good fruit for making jam.