Vaccinium 'Lucky Berry' ® CAC

Vaccinium 'Lucky Berry' Care Guide

Vaccinium 'Lucky Berry' is a compact, fruit-bearing shrub that produces delicious blueberries for up to four months each year. This variety is particularly well-suited for small gardens, patio containers, and mixed borders, offering ornamental appeal with its lush green foliage, delicate spring blossoms, and vibrant fruit.

To ensure optimal growth and fruit production, follow the detailed care instructions below.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Vaccinium 'Lucky Berry'

Sunlight and Soil Requirements

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for best fruit production, though it can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
• Moisture Levels: Soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch (such as pine needles or bark) around the base to retain moisture and maintain soil acidity.

Temperature and Hardiness

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Suitable for zones 5-9, tolerating mild frosts but benefiting from some winter protection in colder areas.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderately drought-tolerant once established but requires regular watering for maximum fruit yield.
• Humidity Needs: Prefers a moderate to high humidity level, making it ideal for temperate climates.

Planting and Routine Care

Planting Guidelines

• Best Time to Plant: Spring or early autumn is the ideal time for planting, allowing roots to establish before extreme weather conditions.
• Spacing: If planting multiple shrubs, space them 1-1.5 metres apart for proper airflow and growth.
• Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Mix in acidic compost or peat moss to improve soil conditions.
• Container Growth: If growing in pots, use a large container (minimum 30cm diameter) filled with ericaceous compost.

Watering and Fertilizing

• Watering:
  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting periods.
  • Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  • Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can reduce fruit yield.
• Fertilizing:
  • Use an acidic, slow-release fertilizer formulated for blueberries or rhododendrons in early spring.
  • Additional feeding in mid-summer can help sustain healthy growth and fruiting.
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning Time: Perform light pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove any dead, damaged, or weak stems to encourage strong growth.
  • Thin out older stems every 2-3 years to maintain productivity and air circulation.
  • Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce fruit yield for the following season.
• General Maintenance: Keep the area around the plant free from weeds, as they compete for nutrients and moisture.

Pest, Disease, and Seasonal Care

Common Pests and Diseases

• Pests:
  • Aphids and Spider Mites – Can occasionally appear, especially in dry conditions. Use insecticidal soap if needed.
  • Birds – Often attracted to the berries. Protect fruit with netting or fruit cages during the ripening period.
• Diseases:
  • Powdery Mildew – Can occur in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
  • Root Rot – Prevent by using well-draining soil and avoiding waterlogged conditions.

Winter and Seasonal Care

• Winter Protection: In colder regions, apply a thick mulch layer around the base for root insulation.
• Spring Preparation: Remove winter mulch in early spring to allow new growth to emerge.
• Autumn Care: After harvesting, prune lightly to shape the plant and remove any weak or old stems.

Flowering and Fruiting

• Blooming Time: Produces delicate white or pink flowers in spring (April-May).
• Fruiting Period: Yields delicious blueberries from July to October, making it one of the longest-fruiting blueberry varieties.
• Harvesting: Pick berries when they turn deep blue and easily detach from the plant. Regular harvesting encourages further fruit production.

Conclusion

Vaccinium 'Lucky Berry' is an excellent choice for home gardeners, providing delicious fruit, year-round foliage interest, and ease of care. With the right conditions—including acidic soil, full sun, and regular watering—this shrub will thrive and produce a bountiful harvest for months. Whether grown in the ground or in containers, this compact blueberry plant is a beautiful and practical addition to any garden

• Size
  C 4,6

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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