Vaccinium corymbosum Blue Jay- American Blueberry

The 'Blue Jay' Blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blue Jay', is a vigorous, bushy shrub with particularly fast growth. It is hardy, gives regular and high yields, and is resistant to bursting. Flowering occurs in May. The fruiting, spread out, takes place from July in clusters of light blue blueberries, composed of medium-sized, firm and round berries with a rustic and assertive taste. These beautiful decorative and delicious fruits remain on the bush for a long time. This self-fertile variety does not require the presence of a companion to bear fruit, but will benefit from crossed-pollination. It has superb foliage in autumn, bright orange. It is a bush that prefers well-drained ericaceous soil and enjoys dappled sunlight or partial shade.

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Blue Jay' belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and rhododendrons. It comes from the species Vaccinium corymbosum, native to New England in the United States, with larger growth but less flavoursome fruits than the European species Vaccinium myrtillus. The 'Blue Jay' cultivar was selected in 1978 at the University of Michigan. It is a very productive variety, forming a dense and upright bush, reaching up to 2m (7ft) in height with a spread of 1m (3ft) at maturity. The leaves, deciduous, are 2 to 3cm (1in) long, lanceolate, elliptical, entire and toothed, medium green, turning bright orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in May, in the form of small white bell-shaped flowers with faded red edges, 0.5 to 1cm long, grouped in pendulous clusters 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long, at the tips of the stems. It is followed by large blueberries covered in bloom, which ripen in July. Harvest will be staggered depending on the ripeness of the fruits. The blueberries are firm and sweet, with a pronounced, slightly resinous and aromatic flavour. The yield is excellent. Blueberries are low in calories but high in nutritional value: they are very rich in vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, and iron. They contain pigments (anthocyanins) that improve night vision.  

To ensure good pollination and fruiting, it is recommended to plant at least 2 to 3 Blueberry plants of the same variety or different varieties (including self-fertile varieties such as 'Blue Jay'). Plant 'Brigitta Blue' or 'Spartan' Blueberries nearby to ensure a good harvest. In the garden, Blueberries will integrate perfectly into acidic soil beds, with rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, heathers. Blueberries can be consumed freshly picked or in juice, jam, jelly, and desserts (pies, sorbets).