Southern Living? DownHome Harvest? I Declare? Blueberry Shrub

Southern Living® DownHome Harvest® I Declare™ Blueberry Shrub

This compact blueberry variety offers an exceptional combination of ornamental beauty and generous fruit production, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners seeking both visual appeal and edible rewards. You can buy Southern Living® DownHome Harvest® I Declare™ Blueberry Shrub online and enjoy the convenience of receiving this award-winning plant directly at your doorstep. With its dense growth habit, stunning seasonal foliage changes, and abundant harvests of large, sweet berries, this shrub transforms any landscape into a productive garden feature.

Landscaping Uses

This blueberry thrives as a standalone shrub in smaller yards, along borders, or grouped to form an attractive privacy screen. Its manageable size makes it perfect for container gardening when soil conditions aren't ideal, while multiple plantings spaced 5-6 feet apart create an impressive edible hedge. Position your shrub where it receives full sun to partial shade and enjoys protection from harsh afternoon heat in extremely warm climates.

Specifications

Height: Compact shrub form
Width: Dense, bushy habit
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Consistently moist during growing season
Soil: Acidic, well-draining soil (pH 4.5-5.5)
USDA Zones: Adapted for Southern climates with low-chill requirements

Why Homeowners Love It

• Early blooming ensures a generous crop of large, flavorful berries ready for fresh eating and cooking
• Attractive foliage shifts from vibrant green in summer to deep crimson tones in fall, extending seasonal interest
• Compact, dense form fits seamlessly into smaller landscapes without overwhelming the space
• Southern Living® breeding standards guarantee reliable performance in heat, humidity, and real-world garden conditions

Planting & Care

Test your soil pH before planting, as blueberries require acidic conditions between 4.5 and 5.5 to flourish. Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil; if your native soil is too alkaline, grow your shrub in a container where you can maintain proper pH levels. Water consistently throughout the growing season, especially during fruiting, and apply a 3-foot mulch ring to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Each spring, remove dead branches and up to one-third of the tallest stems after harvest to improve air circulation and fruit production. Use an acidic blueberry-specific fertilizer in early spring, following package directions for best results.