Vaccinium corymbosum Ivanhoe- American Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Ivanhoe' is a mid-season variety of blueberry with very large fruits. This bush has fairly slow growth and does not exceed 1.50m (5ft) in height, making it suitable for container cultivation. In May, it is covered with small white bell-shaped flowers, which are very decorative against the fairly dark green foliage. Its large-sized blueberries are harvested in July and August. In autumn, the foliage takes on magnificent red colours. In all Blueberries, fruiting is even more abundant if another variety is planted nearby.

The Blueberry bush belongs to the Ericaceae family, which is mainly known for its many ornamental genera in gardens. The bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), native to North America, is the one cultivated in gardens for its abundant and high-quality fruiting. It is an extremely cold-resistant bush with deciduous foliage that falls in autumn. It is grown in very acidic soil (not tolerant of limestone) and in a semi-shaded position, for example in the morning sun.

The 'Ivanhoe' cultivar is a bush with fairly slow growth that stands out for its compact habit and very large fruits. It has fairly upright but not very dense growth, reaching a height of 1.30 to 1.50m (4 to 5ft) and a width of 1.00m (3ft). The foliage consists of fairly dark green elliptical and pointed leaves. Its branches take on beautiful autumn colours, turning red, and can rival the most beautiful ornamental bushes.

It is also decorative with its charming flowering, when in May it bears clusters of small white bell-shaped urns, typical of the Ericaceae family. In Ivanhoe, these flowers develop into very large, spherical, fragrant, aromatic, and slightly acidic blueberries. Despite their large size, these berries resist bursting in the rain. They can be harvested for 4 to 5 weeks, from mid-July to the end of August. These fruits are the plant's third aesthetic asset... even if they are destined to end up in the mouths of gourmets!

From a nutritional point of view, it should be noted that blueberries are low in calories but high in nutritional value: they are very rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as calcium and iron. They contain pigments (anthocyanins) that are reputed to improve night vision. Blueberries can be consumed freshly picked, in juice, jam, jelly, sorbet, or in pastries (pies, muffins, etc.). The fruit can be stored for about ten days after picking and can be frozen for longer preservation.

Plant "Ivanhoe" alongside other varieties to promote a good harvest. Indeed, although this variety is self-fertile, it will bear more fruit when planted near other Vaccinium corymbosum. Its flowering, decorative fruits that are both delicious and its flamboyant autumn colours also justify associating it with ornamental plants in an ericaceous bed. In the background of your group of Blueberries, plant taller vegetation that will provide them with dappled shade. The Styrax japonica with its charming small white fragrant flowers in early summer and its yellow-orange autumn colours will be a very good choice. The Acer davidii 'Viper', a small Maple tree named after its white and green veined bark resembling snake skin, will also be a good companion, provided it too can benefit from the shade of taller trees. These vegetation layers will give character to your garden, especially if you brighten it up with colourful flowering shrubs such as Magnolias, Camellias, or Rhododendrons.