Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke‘, commonly known as Duke Highbush Blueberry, is a northern highbush variety prized for its early harvest, high yields, and excellent flavor. This deciduous shrub grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, making it an ideal addition to home gardens and edible landscapes. Duke produces abundant clusters of firm, sweet berries in early summer, perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

In addition to its delicious fruit, Duke Highbush Blueberry offers multi-season interest. Bell-shaped white flowers bloom in spring, followed by lush green foliage and bright blue berries in summer. In fall, the foliage turns shades of orange and red, adding vibrant color to the landscape. As a native plant, it provides essential habitat and food for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Why Choose Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’?

• Early-ripening blueberry variety with high yields and excellent flavor
• Compact, upright form ideal for edible landscapes and home gardens
• Multi-season interest with spring flowers, summer fruit, and brilliant fall foliage

Cultivating Tips

• Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soil
• Requires cross-pollination with another blueberry variety for the best fruit production
• Mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds; prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Plant as part of an edible landscape or in dedicated berry patches
• Use as a wildlife-friendly hedge, attracting birds and pollinators
• Combine with other native shrubs and perennials for a multi-layered garden that supports biodiversity

Ecological Benefits

• Provides nectar for pollinators in spring and fruit for birds and mammals in summer
• Supports native bees and other beneficial insects
• Contributes to local biodiversity while offering a productive, ornamental addition to the garden