Vaccinium elliottii native blueberry shrub with red foliage
Vaccinium elliottii native blueberry shrub with red foliage
Edible

Blueberry, Elliott's

Vaccinium elliottii

$24.00 Sold out
1 Gallon USDA Zones 6–9 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 8–10 Feet

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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The Full Story

Vaccinium elliottii, also called Elliott's Blueberry, is a native blueberry shrub that reaches up to 10 feet tall. It grows upright with slender stems and dense, glossy green leaves. In autumn, the foliage turns bright red, adding strong color to garden borders.

This ornamental blueberry plant prefers well-drained, acidic soil full to partial sun. It grows well in native plantings and woodland edges where low-maintenance shrubs are needed.

Elliott's Blueberry produces small fruits with a sweet taste. Though rarely found in cultivation, it remains valued for fruit and foliage in southeastern U.S. landscapes.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 6–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained, Acid
Mature size
Height 8–10 Feet · Spread 6–8 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Foliage: The leaves are small, elliptic, and bright green in the summer, turning to shades of red and orange in the fall. This seasonal color change adds ornamental value to the plant.

Flowers: Produces small, white to pale pink, bell-shaped flowers in spring. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, including bees.

Fruit: Bears small, sweet, dark blue to black berries that ripen in late spring to early summer. The berries are edible and can be used in various culinary applications.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Vaccinium elliottii thrives best in full sunlight, which promotes the most abundant fruit production. However, it can also grow well in partial shade, particularly in areas with intense summer heat, where some afternoon shade may help protect the plant from excessive heat and stress.

Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, acidic soil. This blueberry species grows best in sandy, loamy soil with a pH range of 4.5-5.5. It is essential to maintain acidic conditions for optimal growth and fruiting. If your soil is not naturally acidic, consider amending it with organic matter such as pine bark, peat moss, or sulfur to lower the pH. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods and the growing season. Vaccinium elliottii prefers consistently moist soil, but it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water deeply and regularly, particularly during the fruiting period, to ensure even moisture distribution. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Elliott's Blueberry is well-suited to a range of climates, from the cooler regions of the southeastern United States to the warmer, humid areas. It can tolerate mild winters and hot, humid summers. In colder regions, it may benefit from winter protection, such as a layer of mulch, to insulate the roots.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring. An additional light feeding in mid-summer can help sustain growth and fruit production. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, are also beneficial for maintaining soil fertility. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to poor fruit quality and excessive foliage growth.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape, encourages more vigorous growth, and enhances fruit production. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin out older stems to improve air circulation and light penetration. Pruning also helps control the size of the plant, making it easier to harvest the berries.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, or blueberry maggots. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant and proper spacing can help prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot. If pests or diseases are detected, treat with appropriate measures such as insecticidal soap or fungicides.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Also found in
As written on The Node
The Wild Blueberries of the South
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

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