Duke Blueberry Bush

Name: Duke Blueberry Bush
Brand: Plants That Work
SKU: 19558
Price: 39.96 USD
Availability: InStock

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'

Plants that Work®

$39⁹⁶

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In Stock

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Plant Size

#1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this bush full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct light daily. While it tolerates light shade, you will sacrifice fruit production and berry sweetness without enough light intensity.
Soil: Blueberries demand acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5) that is rich in organic matter and drains quickly. If your native ground is heavy clay or alkaline, planting in a raised bed or container with an acidic potting mix is the best way to ensure success.

Watering Requirements

Because blueberries have shallow, fibrous root systems, they dry out faster than deep-rooted shrubs and need consistent moisture, especially during the first year. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy; inconsistent watering during fruit set often leads to shriveled or dropped berries. A thick layer of pine bark mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter while the plant is still dormant, as fruit develops on wood grown during the previous season. Focus on "renewal pruning" by removing the oldest, thickest gray canes down to the ground to encourage vigorous new shoots that will bear fruit next season. This technique keeps the bush productive and prevents the center from becoming too crowded and shaded.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (like those for Azaleas or Rhododendrons) in early spring just as buds swell. Avoid fertilizers containing nitrate nitrogen, which can be toxic to blueberries; look for ammonium sulfate or urea-based sources instead. Stop fertilizing after July to prevent tender new growth that won't harden off before winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Prolific, Early-Ripening Duke Blueberry Bush

Prolific Producer of Exceptional Berries
Elegant Bell-Shaped White and Pink Spring Flowers
Delightfully Colorful Fall Foliage
Hardy and Low-Maintenance

Northern Highbush, Early Season

If you want a northern blueberry plant that earns its keep, plant a Duke Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). This lovely blueberry bush generates such a prolific crop of berries that its branches droop from the weight! Not only does it produce a great haul of berries, but its berries are superb in size and flavor.

Named after the founder of the Atlantic Blueberry Company in Hammonton New Jersey, Duke Galletta, this 1986 Rutgers/USDA release has become the number one Blueberry grown in New Jersey, one of the largest Blueberry growing states in the country.

The Duke Blueberry flowers late to avoid late freezes (but don't fret, because its fruit ripens early!) And its spring blooms won't disappoint, either. These dainty bell-shaped blossoms are white with a blush of pink. They look like they've been plucked straight out of a fairytale!

Duke Blueberry's ornamental qualities are quite remarkable, as well. This lovely plant makes an excellent hedge. Its green spring-and-summer foliage has a unique leather-like texture. It's also known for showing off during autumn with vibrant yellow and orange leaves.

While this pleasant plant is quite attractive, its ability to produce juicy and tasty blueberries is impressive. The plant's vigorous upright growth also made it attractive for ease of harvesting either, in the home garden or you-pick farms.

This consistent producer will burst with plenty of fruit year after year. Its berries are medium to large, firm, and stay fresh longer than any other variety. These berries are guaranteed to make you smile with their lightly tart flavor.

One plant can produce 10-15 pounds of medium to large berries that are very firm and tasty and retain their fresh quality over a long period. Dukes can easily be stored by freezing or used in any of the traditional blueberry recipes for cooking, baking or in jams and preserves.

Make friends with the neighbors by sharing these tasty berries. And don't worry, there will be plenty left over for your pies and jam. And if your friends are out of town, you can store these long-lasting berries until their return since they stay fresh for so long.

The only question you should have is "where should I plant one of these fantastic plants?" The Duke Blueberry does best in full sun with acidic soil. It grows upright, so it won't need a whole lot of horizontal space, but you may want to provide it with a little extra support.

Luckily, Duke Blueberry has great disease resistant and is widely adaptable, growing well in zones 4-7. Duke is adapted to areas with higher humidity where it requires full sun to produce high-quality berries. In drier climates, mulch and protection from the hot afternoon sun is recommended.

Duke requires an acid soil pH of 5.5 or lower in the ground or when grown in containers. Have your soil tested before planting, and work to adjust the soil at the level of the roots well in advance. Water with rainwater, and enrich your blueberries with Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Fertilizer.

Reward yourself with some nutritious, antioxidant and vitamin-rich blueberries! Not only will the Duke Blueberry be a feast for your stomach, but it's a feast for the eyes, as well. This low-maintenance plant is hardy and produces like a champion. Order today!

Although Duke blueberry is self-fruitful, it will provide larger crops with other blueberry varieties close by. Try Earlierblue, Bluecrop and Liberty as pollination partners.

Botanical Name

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

corymbosum
Cultivar

Duke
Growing Zones

4-7
Height

4-6 ft
Width

5-8 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
- Orange
Fall Color

Yellow/Orange
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, CA, FL, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

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Growing Zones 4-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is the Duke Blueberry Bush suitable for?

Duke Blueberry is hardy in USDA zones 4-7, making it well-suited for northern climates. As a northern highbush variety, it's bred to withstand cold winters while avoiding late spring freeze damage. Plant in full sun with acidic, well-draining soil for best berry production.

How big does the Duke Blueberry Bush get at maturity?

Duke Blueberry bushes typically reach 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This northern highbush variety has vigorous upright growth that makes harvesting easy. Plant with 4-6 feet spacing for proper air circulation, available at naturehills.com.

Does the Duke Blueberry Bush need full sun or can it tolerate part shade?

Duke Blueberry bushes perform best in full sun for maximum fruit production and quality. While they can tolerate partial shade, you'll get fewer berries and less vigorous growth. Plant in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal berry yield.

What kind of soil pH does the Duke Blueberry require for planting?

Duke Blueberry requires acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-5.5 for optimal growth and fruit production. Northern highbush varieties like Duke struggle in alkaline conditions and won't absorb nutrients properly. Test your soil before planting and amend with sulfur or peat moss if needed.

What are the watering requirements for Duke Blueberry plants?

Duke Blueberry plants need consistent moisture with well-draining soil, requiring about 1-2 inches of water weekly. These hardy northern highbush varieties prefer acidic soil that stays evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water deeply at the base and mulch around the plant to retain moisture, available at naturehills.com.

Does the Duke Blueberry Bush need cross-pollination with another variety?

Duke Blueberry is self-fertile but produces larger crops with cross-pollination from another northern highbush variety. Planting a second variety that blooms at the same time will increase your berry yield significantly. Choose another early-season northern highbush cultivar for best results.

How do I prune a newly purchased Duke Blueberry Bush?

Remove any broken or damaged branches at planting time. For newly planted Duke Blueberry bushes, avoid heavy pruning the first year to allow the plant to establish its root system. Simply pinch off any flower buds to redirect energy into growth rather than fruit production.

How is the Duke Blueberry Bush shipped and what does it look like on arrival?

Duke Blueberry bushes typically arrive as bare-root or potted plants during the dormant season, appearing as branched stems without leaves. The plant may look sparse initially but will develop its characteristic upright, vigorous growth habit once established. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly to encourage strong root development.