Ruby Carpet Blueberry

Lowbush blueberry native species to Canada, Great Lakes Region, and northeastern United States. Very low-growing, carpet-forming groundcover with stems no taller than 6 inches. Deciduous fruiting shrub. Deep olive-green foliage in summer, turning striking ruby red in autumn forming carpet of color. Neat lance-shaped leaves. Clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers appear in late spring (May-June). Plants considered self-fertile, single plant will produce fruit, but produces more abundantly with another variety nearby.

Miniature blue-black berries bursting with classic lowbush flavor. Berries ripen June-July in most locations, beginning early July in some regions. Small berries easily collected and can be frozen or dried en masse for year-round use. Highest antioxidant content of any fruit or vegetable. High amounts of vitamins. Excellent fresh eating, baking, freezing, preserving. Fruits and flowers both prolific, wonderful dual-purpose plant for beekeepers. Highly attractive to pollinators, especially honey bees. Fruits produced on two-year cycle with alternating years of growth and fruit set. Commercial producers in Maine divide fields, mowing or burning half to induce vegetative growth while other half is in fruit production. Best harvested with special hand rake designed for tiny wild blueberries.

Seeds collected from wild lowbush blueberry population in Maine, specifically selected for stunning red fall foliage. Selection work conducted in Grand Junction, Michigan (Van Buren County blueberry-growing region). Suitable for border plants along walkways, rock gardens, patios, mass plantings, and fruit production.