- Self Pollinates
- Cross Pollinators - Jersey, Blue Gold, Duke Highbush, Bluecrop, Sunshine Blue
- 4 - 6 Feet Tall & Wide
- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Growing Zones 4 - 7
Reka Highbush Blueberry, or Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Reka’, is a drought tolerant, fast-growing, early-fruiting perennial with impressive yields of delicious blueberries. The Reka blooms in late spring with clusters of beautiful, white, fluted blossoms that soon give way to masses of fragrant, medium-to-large berries. These blue berries, which ripen in early July, are plump and full of rich flavor. In the fall, the deep-green, ovate foliage of the Reka flushes to a brilliant red, lending this evergreen even more ornamental appeal. The berries of this variety make it a must have for blueberry lovers. The crisp, flavorful blueberries of the Reka are perfect for fresh eating or processing, and make delightful baked goods and jams. They are exceptionally nutritious and high in bioflavonoids.
Reka Highbush Blueberry is semi self-fertile, which means it can produce some fruit when planted as a single specimen, but should be paired with other highbush varieties to produce better yields. You will see your Reka produce berries a year or two after planting. Prune your Reka annually, in the winter when the plant is dormant. For general upkeep during the growing season, remove willowy or small twigs to encourage growth on more substantial branches. The wood is known for being slightly fragile, so prune with care.
Reka Highbush Blueberry Bush Care
Plant your dormant Reka Highbush in early spring. You can also plant your Reka in the late fall, but be sure to mulch the base of your plant to prevent heaving. Space your blueberry plants from 5 to 6 feet apart, and make sure they have plenty of space. The Reka performs best when grown in full to partial sun, and moist, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Soil pH should be between 4.5 and 5.0 for optimal growth. The Reka Highbush Blueberry is hardy and adaptable, and relatively pest and disease free. It is occasionally susceptible to blueberry maggots, fruit worms, blight, rot, canker, and fungal diseases that can damage the plant and shrivel the berries. Watch your Reka for signs of distress. Additionally, the blueberries attract wildlife of all kinds, so it may be necessary to cover your bushes to protect them from hungry birds and critters.
Growing Reka Highbush Blueberry Bushes
Your Reka will grow to a mature height of 4 to 6 feet with an equal spread, giving this bush a fluffy, mounded appearance. It is a low-maintenance, vigorous grower. You should deadhead the flower blossoms of your Reka for the first year after planting to encourage nutrient integration into the plant. You can grow your Reka Highbush Blueberries indoors, so long as your plant receives sufficient chill hours, at least 1,000 hours, and 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. The Reka will require additional water when planted indoors.
Growing Reka Highbush Blueberries in Containers
Because of their tolerance to heat and drought, Reka Highbush Blueberries make excellent container plants. They are fantastic additions to edible, rock, and woodland gardens, and can be grown in pots and bags, so long as they are sufficient in size. Mature plants will need containers that are at least 24 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide.
Watering Reka Highbush Blueberry Bushes
Although they are drought tolerant, the Reka Highbush Blueberry should be watered regularly to maximize fruit production. Additional watering, 2 to 3 times per week, is necessary until the bush has been established and the roots have taken hold. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch at the base of the plant to help retain moisture. If your Reka does not receive adequate water, it will grow slowly and produce much smaller yields.
Feeding Reka Highbush Blueberry Bushes
Expert gardeners who grow Reka will suggest a compost and sawdust mixture applied as mulch to the base of the plant to achieve maximum potential and yields. Cottonseed meal makes an excellent fertilizer for your Reka, and can be applied in the early spring before the plant begins to grow anew. You can also use any slow-release fertilizer on your Reka.
Reka Highbush Blueberry Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 7 |
Plant Type: Edible Plants |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet |
Mature Spread: 4 - 6 Feet |
Spacing: 4 - 6 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Early Spring |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Huckleberry-like, Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Self Fertile: Yes |
Major Branch: Northern Highbush |
Harvest Period: Early Season |
Fruit Size: Large |
Fruit Color: Blue |
Fruit Flavor: Very Sweet |
Brand: |
Common Name: Reka Highbush Blueberry |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: VACCINIUM `REKA` |
- SKU:
- 1231013410-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.
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