Noteworthy Characteristics
Vaccinium corymbosum, commonly known as highbush blueberry, is an upright, deciduous shrub native to eastern North America where it typically grows in moist woods, bogs, swamps and low areas. Mature plants will reach around 5-8’ tall with an equal spread and a dense, rounded habit. The dark green, ovate to elliptic foliage can reach 3" long and 1" wide and turns bright shades of coppery red in fall. Loose corymbs of white, pendulous, urn-shaped flowers bloom in spring. The flowers can also have a pale pink tinge. The round, sweet berries are dark blue to purple with a dull, blue-grey bloom on their surface.
The genus name Vaccinium comes from an ancient Latin name apparently derived from a prehistoric Mediterranean language. Its origin and meaning are generally considered to be lost to time.
Specific epithet refers to the flowers and fruits being in a corymb.
'Atlantic' typically grows 5-8' tall (less frequently taller), but is arguably more manageable as a fruit crop when pruned to 6' or less. Dainty, waxy, bell-shaped, white flowers appear in May. Flowers are followed by light blue blueberries (to 1/2" diameter) which ripen in mid-season (mid to late July in USDA Zone 5). Ovate, dark green leaves (to 3.5" long) turn attractive shades of red in fall. Reddish stems can be attractive in winter. 'Atlantic' reportedly grows well in Missouri.
Problems
Birds love the fruit, so plants may need to be covered with netting as the fruit begins to ripen in order to protect the crop. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) may occur in high pH (alkaline) soils. Potential but infrequent disease problems include stem blight, root rot, anthracnose, cane cankers, mildew and botrytis. Blueberry maggot, cherry fruit worm and spotted wing drosophila may attack the fruit. Mummy berry is a fungal disease that causes the berries to shrivel and drop.
Uses
Useful for ornamental purposes (flowers, fruit, quality summer foliage and fall color) as well as for fruit production (blueberries). It is effective in shrub borders or as part of less formal shrub plantings in areas such as native plant gardens or open woodlands. Particularly effective in conjunction with rhododendrons and azaleas which share similar acidic soil requirements. Also makes an excellent hedge with the added benefits of fruit which can be harvested or left for the birds.