North Country Blueberry Bushes

North Country is a half-high blueberry cultivar developed by the University of Minnesota in 1983 and is an interspecific hybrid derived from the cross (G65 × Ashworth) × R2P4. Exceptional cold hardiness and ornamental value. Plants have a low, spreading growth habit and typically reach 18–24 inches in height, though under some conditions they may grow larger. Fruit ripens around July 10. Yields range from approximately 2 to 7 pounds per plant at maturity. North Country  It is classified as an early-season, half-high blueberry well suited for cold-region production, edible landscaping, and residential gardens.

Fruit is small to medium in size, measuring approximately ¼ to ⅜ inch in diameter. Berries are attractive, sky blue in color with little to no picking scar. Flavor is sweet to mildly tart, characteristic of wild lowbush blueberries. Fruit quality is good and well suited for fresh consumption and U-pick markets. Harvesting is typically done by hand or with a Tabbett blueberry rake, though small-scale mechanical harvesting is also possible.

North Country offers excellent ornamental appeal. Plants exhibit vigorous summer growth, followed by brilliant fiery red fall color. The low stature and spreading habit make this cultivar especially valuable as a landscape plant, and it is considered one of the most outstanding blueberry selections for ornamental use.

Plants are extremely cold hardy, tolerating winter temperatures down to –35°F. While plants can survive severe cold, fruit production is maximized when adequate snow cover is present for winter insulation. North Country is hardy in USDA Zones 3a through 7a.

This cultivar performs best in full sun to partial shade and requires acidic soils with a pH between 4.0 and 5.2. Soils should be peaty, organically rich, evenly moist, and well drained. Plants have shallow, fibrous root systems and benefit from consistent moisture and a generous organic mulch. Although blueberries are self-fertile, cross-pollination with another cultivar flowering at the same time improves berry size and overall yield. Planting multiple varieties can also help extend the harvest season.

For best establishment, flowers should be removed during the planting year and the following season to encourage vegetative growth. Pruning should begin in the third year after planting and is best done in late winter.

USDA Zone: 3-7

Mature Size: 2' tall by 3' across

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: July

Pollination: Plant is self fertile but will benefit from having other blueberry bushes to pollinate.