Costa Rican Blueberry

Costa Rican Blueberry

An interesting little Vaccinium from fairly high elevations in Costa Rica that produces tasty berries that are similar in flavor to the huckleberries that grow wild here in the Northwest. We expected this to be a greenhouse curiosity, but we planted one outside here at the nursery that has survived the past 3 winters in the ground with no protection. The lowest temperature we’ve received in that time was 17 degrees in the winter of 2022/23 and it looked rather unphased by those temperatures. We’re unsure of how much lower it can but are impressed that it has survived into the high teens. Evergreen and seemingly quite easy to grow.

Latin Name: Vaccinium consanguineum
Site and Soil: Costa Rican Huckleberry can grow in sun or part shade and prefers rich soils that are well watered.
Pollination Requirements:  Self-fertile.
Hardiness: 17° F, maybe lower?
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 4′ x 4′
Bloom Time: May
Ripening Time: August-September
Yield: ?
Pests & Diseases: Not bothered by pests or diseases
USDA Zone: 8b