Blueberry 'Duke'
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'
At a Glance
| Botanical name | Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke' |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | — |
| Family | — |
| Plant type | shrub |
| Height × Spread | 180–370 cm × 180–370 cm |
| Hardiness | — · RHS AGM |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Soil | moist acidic soils (pH 4.5 to 5.5) |
| Flowering | May |
| Toxicity | — |
| Native range | eastern Canada and the eastern and southern United States |
Where not stated for this variety, details follow the species Vaccinium corymbosum.
The RHS Award of Garden Merit-winning cultivar 'Duke' represents a well-established, reliable choice among highbush blueberries for UK gardens seeking ornamental value and productive harvests. Its distinction lies solely in the recognition it has received for garden performance, aligning with the species' broader characteristics.
Overview
'Duke' is a cultivar of Vaccinium corymbosum, granted the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, signifying its proven garden worthiness. It shares the species' fundamental requirements and growth habit.
Appearance
It exhibits the species' typical deciduous shrub form, bearing dark glossy green elliptical leaves up to 5 cm long that turn to brilliant red, orange, yellow, and/or purple in autumn. The bell-shaped white to very light pink flowers and blue-black berries follow the species description.
Growing and Care
As a Vaccinium corymbosum cultivar, 'Duke' requires very acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), consistent moisture, and full sun to partial shade. It must be planted with a compatible pollinator, as the species does not self-pollinate.
In the Garden
This cultivar excels as a multi-season ornamental in acidic, moist soils, offering seasonal colour and wildlife interest, with the RHS AGM confirming its suitability for garden planting.
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Quick Care Summary
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
|---|---|
| Soil | moist acidic soils (pH 4.5 to 5.5) |
| Hardiness | — |
| Sow | September–November |
| Plant | March–May |
| Prune | February |
Facts sourced from Wikipedia / Vaccinium corymbosum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccinium_corymbosum) (cultivar row of vaccinium-corymbosum; unstated details inherited from the species)
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