Northland Blueberry Bush

Name: Northland Blueberry Bush
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 18675
Price: 27.47 USD
Availability: InStock

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland'

Nature Hills Nursery

$27⁴⁷

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best fruit set and sweetest berries. While it handles light afternoon shade in hotter climates, too much shade results in fewer flowers and less vibrant fall foliage.
Soil: These plants crave highly acidic, organic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If you have heavy clay, plant in a raised mound or incorporate peat moss and pine bark to improve drainage and acidity.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week to help the shallow root system establish. Once mature, the Northland is remarkably resilient, but inconsistent moisture during fruit development will lead to smaller, shriveled berries. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage deep root growth.

Pruning Tips

This variety produces fruit on one year old wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter while the plant is still dormant. Remove about a quarter of the oldest, graying canes each year to make room for vigorous new reddish stems. Think of it like refreshing a wardrobe; by removing the old, you ensure the plant has the energy to produce the largest, highest quality fruit on the new growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply an acidic fertilizer, such as one labeled for Azaleas or Rhododendrons, in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this forces tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. Using a simple mulch of pine needles or wood chips will also help maintain the soil acidity these blueberries love.

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.

Northland Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland') is a cold-hardy Half-High variety that was developed by the team at Michigan State University and released in 1967. Northland is a high-yielding plant with a more vigorous growth rate than other similar varieties. This attribute, coupled with its huge crop, made Northland a quick success!

Northland Blueberry is a consistent producer, even after a tough winter and you'll enjoy beautiful spring blooms that can tolerate light spring frosts. The pliable, arching limbs can withstand the weight of heavy winter snow. A mid-season ripening fruit, the productive Northland Blueberry will produce 3 to 12 pounds of fruit off of a single plant.

The medium-sized, soft, medium-blue berries are held in long, loose clusters and have a sweet, wild Blueberry flavor. In fall, the yellow-orange leaf color adds an artistic brilliance to your landscape or patio. You'll love the robust, healthy Blueberry!

Planting and Application:

Half-High Blueberries can be used in a number of ways in the landscape. Plant them with ornamental shrubs or pot up into a patio container! It stays compact either way! Use this as an edible landscaping plant in a shrub border at the edge of your property, seating areas or even as foundation plantings.

Perfect for eating fresh with your favorite cereal or cooking up a wonderful batch of Blueberry jam or preserves. Because of its high natural sugar content, you'll want to use these in sauces, chutneys and salsas, fresh or cooked, but rather than freezing them, try dehydration for a welcome winter snack! Plant a few extra to try all of these ideas, plus more to share with your friends, family, neighbors and still have some to share with local wildlife and songbirds!

Big Producer & Great Taste
Early Mid-Season Half-High
Sweet, Wild Blueberry Taste
Heavy Production & Consistent Performer
Very Cold Hardy

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Requiring acidic soil, Blueberry bushes love full sun, and Northland takes the cold with ease. Provide plenty of moisture and fertility, plus a healthy layer of mulch for best results.

Full Sun
Acidic, Well-Drained Enriched Soil
Moist to Wet Conditions
Prune When Dormant
See here for more Blueberry Care

Order your own easy-to-grow food sustainability and ornamental landscaping plant in one with the Northland Blueberry Bush at NatureHills.com today!

Pollinator Partners: Polaris, Northblue & Top Hat

Botanical Name

Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northland'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

corymbosum
Cultivar

Northland
Growing Zones

3-7
Height

4 ft
Width

4 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Orange
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

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

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Growing Zones 3-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Northland Blueberry Bush grow well in zone 3 or colder climates?

The Northland Blueberry was specifically developed by Michigan State University for extreme cold hardiness and performs excellently in zone 3 climates. This half-high variety consistently produces even after harsh winters, with flexible branches that bend rather than break under heavy snow loads. Plant in acidic, well-draining soil with full sun exposure for best cold weather performance.

How much space should I leave between Northland Blueberry Bushes when planting?

Space Northland Blueberry bushes 4-6 feet apart to allow for their vigorous growth habit and arching limbs. This Half-High variety stays more compact than standard blueberries but still needs room for air circulation and heavy fruit production. Plant multiple bushes for cross-pollination and those impressive 3-12 pound harvests available at naturehills.com.

Does the Northland Blueberry Bush require a specific soil pH, and how do I test or adjust it?

Northland Blueberry requires acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-5.5 for optimal growth and fruit production. Test your soil using a digital pH meter or soil test kit from your local extension office. If pH is too high, amend with sulfur or peat moss; if too low, add lime gradually.

What are the pruning requirements for a newly purchased Northland Blueberry Bush?

Newly planted Northland Blueberry bushes need minimal pruning the first 2-3 years to establish strong root systems. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches during late winter dormancy. Focus on watering and soil acidification rather than heavy pruning until the plant matures.

Should I remove flowers from the Northland Blueberry Bush in the first year?

Yes, remove flowers from newly planted Northland Blueberry bushes in the first year to establish strong root systems. This sacrifice allows the plant to focus energy on developing the vigorous growth rate that makes Northland such a productive variety. You'll be rewarded with heavier harvests starting in year two when you shop at Nature Hills.

What mulch is recommended for Northland Blueberry Bushes, and how deep?

Use acidic organic mulch like pine needles, shredded pine bark, or composted leaves around your Northland Blueberry. Apply 2-3 inches deep, keeping mulch 2-3 inches away from the base of the plant. This helps retain moisture and maintain the acidic soil conditions blueberries require.