Vaccinium myrsinites

Common Names

Shiny Blueberry, Evergreen Blueberry, Florida Evergreen Blueberry, Southern Evergreen Blueberry, Ground Blueberry, Low Blueberry, Dwarf Blueberry

Summary

Shiny blueberry is a perennial, evergreen, rhizomatous shrub native to the Southeastern United States, forming large colonies. It is erect and branching, typically 15–100 cm tall, with small glossy leaves; spring to early summer flowers are white to pink-tinged and tubular; fruits are edible blue-to-black berries that ripen in late spring to summer. It grows in dry, sandy, acidic soils in full sun and occurs in habitats such as pine flatwoods, scrub prairies, sand-pine scrub, oak-palmetto scrub, and shrub-edge habitats; fire can clear surrounding vegetation, while underground stolons survive fires to resprout and maintain colonies.

Cultivation requires lime-free, acidic soils (pH 4.5–6) with good drainage and full sun to light shade; drought-tolerant once established. Propagation methods include division, layering, seed, or stem cuttings, and planting multiple varieties can improve fruiting. Landscape uses include borders, hedges, or mass plantings in edible, pollinator, native, winter, or rock gardens, with wildlife value as a food source for birds and mammals; hardiness zones are 8a–10b; care involves minimal pruning and mulch to preserve soil acidity and moisture; rhizomatous spreading can be weedy in landscape settings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0.5-3.5 feet

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Dry, sandy, acidic soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, sandy soil

Soil pH

4.5-6.0

Bloom Color

White to pink, often pink-tinged

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green to gray-green, glossy on the upper surface with paler beneath.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts birds