- Self Pollinates
- Cross Pollinators - Jersey, Reka Highbush, Blue Gold
- 5 - 6 Feet Tall & Wide
- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Duke Highbush Blueberry grows well in Northern regions of the United States and is a relatively recent introduction from the USDA breeding program. Duke produces high yields of dark blue fruit from early July. Duke has slightly tart, but juicy fruit that is best for cooking and preserving and freezing.
Highbush Blueberries have early, mid and late season producing varieties. To obtain the highest yields of fruit and longest season of harvesting, plant a bush of each type. The blueberry harvest will continue non-stop throughout the summer. Blueberries also have stunning fall foliage that adds interest to a mixed shrub border or the kitchen garden. The fiery reds and oranges of Duke Blueberry add pops of color in the garden when other perennials and shrubs are preparing to die back for the winter.
Duke Highbush Blueberry Care
Duke Highbush Blueberry thrives in acidic soil that is extremely well-draining and rich in nutrients. Full sun helps the shrubs to produce masses of flowers late in the spring which will turn into the juicy berries of summer. Shade either early in the day or late in the afternoon is acceptable. Heavy clay soil needs to be amended so that the drainage is good and consistent, especially during the winter months.
Applying a mulch of organic compost or leaves in the fall will help to amend the soil and make it more fertile and moisture retentive. Annual pruning of Blueberries should be done early in the spring before new growth emerges. Cutting out any branches that are dead, dying or crossing will help the shrub keep a natural open vase shape. The oldest, thickest branches need to be cut out at the ground each year. This will help Duke remain vigorously growing and producing fruit. A slow release fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants should also be applied in the early spring.
Duke Highbush Blueberry Spacing
Highbush Blueberries can be planted singly in the garden if space is tight because they are self pollinating plants. Yields of fruit will be much higher if Duke Highbush Blueberry is planted with other varieties. Choose those Blueberries that will have the same bloom time.
The mature height and width of Duke is 5-6 feet. Space plants at 6 feet on center to allow for proper air circulation around the plants and easy access to all sides for harvesting fruit.
Duke Highbush Blueberry Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Edible Plants |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 5 - 6 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 5 - 6 Feet |
| Spacing: 5 - 6 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Blue |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: May |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Pests & Insects |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees, Birds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Wildlife Gardens, Eaten Fresh, For Cooking |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators |
| Self Fertile: Yes |
|
Major Branch: Northern Highbush |
|
Harvest Period: Early to Mid June |
|
Fruit Size: Large |
|
Fruit Color: Yellow |
|
Fruit Flavor: Mildly Sweet |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Duke Highbush Blueberry |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM `DUKE` |
- SKU:
- 1231000445-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations