Duke Blueberry Bush - Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'

Duke Blueberry Bush (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke')

The Duke Blueberry is the most cultivated blueberry variety across North America, and for excellent reasons. This vigorous shrub delivers abundant harvests of sweet-tart berries while offering year-round visual appeal with spring flowers, summer fruit, and brilliant fall foliage. When you buy Duke Blueberry online from Florida Plant Nursery, you're choosing a low-maintenance, self-fertile plant that thrives in home gardens and provides remarkable productivity season after season.

Landscaping Uses

Plant your Duke Blueberry in a prominent location where it receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily—south or east-facing positions work best. This shrub serves as an ornamental edible specimen in foundation plantings, mixed borders, or dedicated fruit gardens. While self-pollinating, pairing it with another blueberry variety will significantly increase your harvest. Space plants 4-6 feet apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation.

Specifications

Height: 6-8 feet
Width: 4-6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun (8+ hours daily)
Water: Consistently moist, well-draining
Soil: Acidic (pH 4.5-5.5)
USDA Zones: 4-8

Why Homeowners Love It

• Earliest ripening blueberry variety, delivering fruit as summer begins
• Exceptionally high yields of 10-20+ pounds per season with minimal effort
• Cold hardy to -20°F with late blooming that avoids spring frost damage
• Four-season ornamental interest with white-pink spring flowers, blue summer berries, and golden-orange autumn leaves

Planting & Care

Plant your Duke Blueberry in acidic, well-draining soil amended with peat moss or sulfur to achieve a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Choose a location receiving full sun and ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging. Space plants appropriately and apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Berries ripen in early summer and practically fall into your hands when fully mature—simply brush your fingers across clusters and harvest the ripe fruit.