Polaris Blueberry Bushes

Polaris is a half-high blueberry cultivar developed by the University of Minnesota for cold hardiness and reliable production. Plants reach approximately 3 feet in height at maturity with a slightly spreading, upright habit. Fruit ripens in the early to mid-season. Over a seven-year evaluation period, yields have been consistent, averaging approximately 3.5 pounds per plant.

Fruit is medium in size, averaging about 70 berries per cup. Berries are light, powdery blue with attractive eye appeal and a moderately small picking scar. Fruit quality is good, with firm, juicy berries and an excellent, intense blueberry flavor that balances sweetness and tanginess. Harvesting is typically done by hand, though plant stature allows for mechanical harvest if desired.

Polaris produces clusters of round blue berries with subtle purple overtones that ripen in mid-summer. The fruit is well suited for fresh eating, cooking, baking, and preserves.

Plants feature dainty, white bell-shaped flowers with shell-pink overtones in mid-spring, followed by abundant fruit. Foliage is glossy green through the growing season and turns a striking orange in fall, adding ornamental value. The shrub is multi-stemmed with a fine-textured appearance and generally requires little pruning, though it tolerates pruning well. It is also a good choice for attracting birds.

At maturity, Polaris typically reaches 3 feet tall with a spread of up to 4 feet and tends to be somewhat leggy, with approximately 1 foot of clearance from the ground. Growth rate is fast, and plants can live for 20 years or more under ideal conditions. This variety requires cross-pollination with another compatible blueberry selection for optimal fruit set.

Polaris performs best in full sun to partial shade and prefers evenly moist, well-drained conditions. Like all blueberries, it requires sandy, highly acidic soil and benefits from generous organic matter such as peat moss. Plants do not tolerate standing water and may develop chlorosis in alkaline soils. Due to sensitivity to urban pollution, sheltered planting sites are recommended. In colder or exposed areas, a thick winter mulch is beneficial for root protection.

USDA Zone: 3-7

Mature Size: 3-4' tall by 3-4' across

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: Late July

Pollination: Another blueberry bush nearby is required for pollination