Vaccinium corymbosum 'Hodnett'

Fruit:

Produces medium-sized, deep blue berries in loose clusters. The flavor is balanced—sweet with a mild tartness—ideal for fresh eating or culinary use. Berries typically ripen in early to mid-summer, depending on climate. Excellent for attracting songbirds if not harvested early.

Flowers:

Blooms appear in early to mid-spring, with delicate urn-shaped, bell-like flowers in pale pink to white. Flowers are mildly fragrant and are highly attractive to native bees and pollinators.

Foliage:

Leaves are oval to lance-shaped, with a glossy, medium green finish in spring and summer. In fall, foliage transitions to shades of burnished red, orange, and deep burgundy, adding ornamental appeal.

Light:

Plant in full sun for the best fruit production. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter regions, but yields may be reduced.

Soil:

Prefers acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Sandy loam or organically rich soils are ideal. Avoid heavy clay unless well-amended.

Watering:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering, fruit development, and dry periods. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.

Mulching:

Apply a 2–3" layer of pine bark, pine straw, or wood chips around the base of the plant, keeping mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Pruning:

Minimal pruning is needed the first couple of years. Once established, prune in late winter to remove weak or crossing branches and to encourage airflow and productive new growth.

Fertilizer:

Use a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (like azaleas or camellias). Apply in early spring and again after harvest if needed, but avoid over-fertilizing.

Pollination:

'Hodnett' is partially self-fertile, but it will produce more and larger berries if planted near another Vaccinium variety that blooms at the same time.