| Costa Rican Blueberry | |
| Vaccinium consanguineum |
An upright, shrubby, but low-growing member of the blueberry family, producing blueberry fruits in vast numbers.
Description: Shrubby plant with a dwarf-tree-like growth habit, usually to 2-4ft, occasionally taller. Has small, glossy leaves, profuse flowers during spring, followed by fruits that are a bit smaller than the standard blueberry. A single small bush may bear thousands of fruits per season.
Hardiness: Unknown, probably to at least 25F, maybe lower.
Growing Environment: Appears to grow well in full sun (in cooler, subtropical climates), or in part-shade in warmer climates. Irrigate fairly regularly. Not too picky about soils, as long as they are well-draining.
Propagation: By seeds, which can take many weeks to a few months to germinate.
Uses: The fruits can be eaten fresh and used much like the standard blueberry. The bush also makes a nice ornamental, particularly when in fruit as the colorful red-blue fruits dominate the visual landscape.
Native Range: Native to higher elevation regions of Central America.