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 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 and creamy-white, bell-shaped spring flowers. In the late fall after the leaves and fruit have fallen the bare, reddish stems offer a beautiful addition for floral arrangements.

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 a fresh break or cut. Cut with as sharp knife. Hydrate in water for two hours before storage or usage. Use commercial floral preservative / food.