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how to choose blueberry plants

Looking to start your own blueberry patch? Understanding how to choose blueberry plants is the first step to enjoying delicious, homegrown fruit. With a variety of blueberry types suited to New Zealand gardens, making the right choice can reward you with abundant harvests for years. Whether you're after a classic blue variety or something a little different, some key factors will help you select the best blueberry plants for your space and taste.

Blueberry 'Powder Blue' blue berries with lush, green foliage.

Blueberry 'Powder Blue'

Blueberry 'Powder Blue' is a late season blueberry variety valued for its sweet flavour, firm berries, and extended harvest period. This reliable plant performs well in New Zealand conditions and is ideal for gardeners wanting fruit later in the season.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Berryfruit
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Blueberry 'Legacy' dark blue berries amidst lush green foliage.

Blueberry 'Legacy'

Blueberry 'Legacy' is a high yielding blueberry variety valued for its excellent sweet flavour, firm berries, and extended harvest period. This vigorous plant performs very well in New Zealand conditions and is popular with home gardeners and lifestyle block owners.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Berryfruit
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Patios
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Blueberry 'Centurion' large, dark blue berries.
Blueberry 'Centurion'

Blueberry 'Centurion' is a late season blueberry variety valued for its large firm berries and excellent sweet flavour. This productive plant...

From$30.29
Blueberry 'Tifblue' dark blue berries.
Blueberry 'Tifblue'

Blueberry 'Tifblue' is a popular rabbiteye blueberry valued for its strong growth, heavy yields, and late season fruiting. This hardy variety...

From$30.29
Blueberry 'Rahi' blue fruit on a shrub.
Blueberry 'Rahi'

Blueberry 'Rahi' is an early season blueberry developed in New Zealand and valued for its large sweet berries and strong performance in local...

From$30.29
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$48.96
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$79.20
pb-2-planter-bags-
PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$20.54
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

These industry standard labels are made from plastic infused paper which makes them both tough and waterproof. They are widely used across the...

From$26.78
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$13.40
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
Blueberry 'Powder Blue'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Blueberry, Disphyma, and Strelitzia, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Spades, and Blueberry Plants.

Search how to choose blueberry plants

Consider Your Climate and Variety

Blueberries come in a range of varieties, each suited to different climates and growing conditions. In New Zealand, you’ll find Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, and Rabbiteye blueberries, each with unique benefits. For regions with warmer climates, Rabbiteye types like Blueberry 'Powder Blue' and Blueberry 'Brightwell' are ideal due to their heat and drought tolerance. If you live in a coastal or cooler area, consider Southern Highbush varieties such as Blueberry 'Misty', as they tend to flower and fruit early, extending your harvest.

Pollination and Yield

Understanding how to choose blueberry plants involves looking beyond a single bush. Many blueberry plants produce larger and more consistent crops when cross-pollinated. Pairing two or more compatible varieties ensures better fruit set. For instance, combining Blueberry 'Powder Blue' with Blueberry 'Brightwell' is an excellent strategy for Rabbiteye blueberries. For those after a unique appearance and flavour, Blueberry 'Pink Icing' adds ornamental beauty along with bountiful berries.

Space, Size and Location

Before planting, think about how much space you have. Blueberries generally need well-drained, acidic soil and full sun. Most varieties, including Blueberry 'Misty', grow well in both garden beds and large containers, making them suitable for urban and rural settings. Be sure to allow enough room for mature plants—most need at least one metre between bushes to flourish.

Unique Alternatives and Native Options

If you’re looking for native alternatives or want to diversify your edible garden, explore Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry). While not a true blueberry, this hardy native offers attractive blue berries and can thrive in a wide range of conditions, bringing year-round interest to your garden.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose Blueberry Plants

Selecting the best blueberry plants goes beyond simply picking your favourite flavour. Consider climate, pollination partners, and your garden space to ensure your new blueberry bushes thrive. Whether you opt for tried-and-true varieties or add a splash of colour with Blueberry 'Pink Icing', following these steps will set you on the path to sweet, homegrown blueberries for years to come.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Corokia 'Bronze King' and Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Meryta sinclairii, Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger', and Mesembryanthemum Purple Splendour deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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