Blueberry
Common Names: Blueberry
Botanical names: Vaccinium formosum, (vak-SIN-ee-um for-MOH-sum)
Availability: June through October
Vase life: 7 to 10 days
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: No
Description: The blueberry is a low bush with shiny green oval shaped leaves and fruits that develop intermittently along the stems of the plant.
Color: Fruit deep red to purple to black as the fruits mature. Foliage shiny green to scarlet in the late fall. Bare stems are reddish in the late fall.
Botanical facts: The blueberry is native to North America. A relative of rhododendron and azalea. Blueberry fruit, flowers and foliage are very attractive offering scarlet fall foliage. Spring blooms are creamy-white, and bell-shaped.
Design notes: These beautiful fruits and foliages are a wonderful addition to late summer and autumn designs. They hold well and are easy to work with.
Purchasing hints: Purchase stems before the berries are fully ripe. Look for undamaged berries and turgid foliage.
Conditioning: Give the woody stem end a fresh break or cut with as sharp knife. Hydrate in water mixed with a commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: In the late fall after the leaves and fruit have fallen the bare, reddish stems offer a beautiful addition for autumn and winter floral arrangements.
Video Demonstration: