Blueberries are a favourite fruit of mine, thanks to their many health benefits. Full of anti-oxidants and vitamins, they are a wonderful addition to your diet. But did you know that there is a blueberry variety out there that isn’t blue, but pink? Read on to find out about the Pink Lemonade Blueberry.
What is a Pink Lemonade Blueberry?
Its full name is Vaccinium ‘Pink Lemonade’ which turns out to be quite conflicting. Despite being a blueberry, this new and easy-to-grow variety produces wonderful pink berries! The fruits are first produced after the lovely white flowers in spring, in a pale green shade but eventually ripen to a wonderful deep pink. They have a lovely mild flavour that isn’t too sweet, and firm flesh, making it the perfect healthy snack!
How do you grow Pink Lemonade Blueberries?
Position: Full sun
Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained, acidic soil or ericaceous compost in a pot
Rate of growth: Average
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Location: Patio or kitchen garden
Size: Height – up to 150cm; Spread – up to 150cm
Flowering: April-May
Harvesting: August-September
If you can, water your blueberries with rainwater. The lime that can be found in tap water slowly increases the soil acidity.
You will find fruit on your Pink Lemonade plant in the its third year. It would be worth protecting your blueberry plant from birds when the fruits develop, as they find them to be quite a tasty treat.
How are Pink Lemonade Blueberries pollinated?
Pink Lemonade blueberries don’t require a pollination partner, as it is self-pollinating so can produce fruit alone.
However, it is generally good practice with blueberries to plant two or three different varieties together to ensure cross-pollination. This benefits the plants as it increases their potential harvest.
It would also benefit your blueberries to have some pollinator-friendly, nectar-rich flowers nearby, especially if you are cross-pollinating.
Plants such as lavender, sunflowers, asters, and dahlias will help with this!
Now that you know this wonderful pink blueberry variety exists, maybe try adding it to your garden, and make your fruit salads look a little more colourful later in the year.
Find out more about growing blueberries in your garden:
Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas:
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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