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Blueberry 'Blue Ray'

3-Gallon

Height: 4-6 feet tall.
Spread: 3-4 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blue Ray'

Description:
A high-yielding northern highbush blueberry variety prized for its large, sweet berries and excellent cold hardiness. 'Blue Ray' produces clusters of light blue, flavorful fruit that ripen in mid-season. This reliable variety is known for its adaptability and resistance to common diseases, making it an excellent choice for home gardens and edible landscapes.

Edible Qualities:
Blueberry 'Blue Ray' is valued for its large, juicy berries with a rich, sweet flavor. The fruit holds well after harvesting and is ideal for fresh eating and processing.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Baking
- Smoothies
- Preserves
- Freezing

Features & Attributes:
Blueberry 'Blue Ray' showcases attractive dark green foliage throughout the growing season, turning brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall. In spring, it produces clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Its mid-season berries are large and firm, making them easy to pick and enjoy.

This is a deciduous shrub with an upright, spreading growth habit. It is self-pollinating but benefits from being planted near another blueberry variety for increased yields.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Blueberry 'Blue Ray' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Edible Hedges
- Home Gardens
- Wildlife Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Blueberry 'Blue Ray' will grow to be about 4-6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3-4 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1-2 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 30 years or more.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. It requires consistent moisture, particularly during fruit development, and benefits from an annual layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Light pruning after fruiting helps maintain its shape and productivity.

Additional Characteristics:
- Mid-Season Ripening
- Self-Pollinating (Improved Yields with Cross-Pollination)
- High-Yielding
- Disease Resistant
- Fall Foliage Interest