Vaccinium darrowii

Common Names

Darrow's Blueberry, Blueberry, Evergreen Blueberry, Scrub Blueberry

Summary

Darrow's blueberry, also called scrub blueberry, is a compact evergreen shrub native to the Southeastern United States, especially Florida, typically 30–120 cm tall and wide. It features small blue-green leaves with a glaucous coating and pink-tinged new growth, white bell-shaped flowers in spring, and blue-black berries with a whitish waxy bloom that are edible. Dense evergreen foliage and fruiting habit make it suitable as a low hedge, border, or specimen in ornamental and native landscapes. Thrives in full sun to partial shade on dry to moist, well-drained acidic soils with a pH range of 4.0–5.5 and is hardy in USDA zones 8a–10a; not salt-tolerant. Moderate drought tolerance once established accompanies a spreading habit by rhizomes to form low thickets. Edible berries accompany ornamental value, with uses as a low hedge, beds and borders, naturalistic landscapes, or container plantings. Propagation options include division, softwood or hardwood cuttings, and seed.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

2-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-10a

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun. Tolerates Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil (loam or sandy) with a pH about 4.0–5.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

4.5-5.5, Acidic soils (low pH)

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (early spring)

Foliage Color

Blue-green (glaucous) foliage

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Very slow growth; 10–20 years to reach its ultimate height.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds