'Pink Lemonade' blueberry
Briggs Nursery, a wholesale grower from Elma, Washington, has announced a new introduction for 2009, a true first in blueberries. The scientific name is Vaccinium ‘Pink Lemonade’. Briggs is trying hard to get enough of these plants to the trade, but they inform me that gardeners will probably have to wait till the 2010 season before supply will be sufficient to meet demand.
News Flash: As of January 29, 2010 the ‘Pink Lemonade’ blueberry is available at www.cottagefarmsdirect.com and www.directgardening.com Let me know if you find it for sale anywhere else. (See comments below)
This new variety of blueberry is hardy to USDA Zone 4. Growing requirements demand an acidic soil pH (4.5 – 5.5), high light levels, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and adequate, even moisture.
‘Pink Lemonade’ offers four season interest. In spring the shrub sports pinkish-white showy bell-shaped flowers. The fruits are pale greenish at first, then dappled pink, and finally develop a deep pink color indicating a ripened fruit. The leaves are smooth, glossy green, lanceolate, with serrated leaf margins. In fall, the leaves turn a bright orange fading to deep red. Wintertime twigs are dusky reddish-brown. Any unharvested fruit supplies sustaining food to songbirds and wildlife.
The shrub is vigorous, reaching four to five feet in height and width. ‘Pink Lemonade’ is thought to perform best in climates matching the optimum for rabbiteye cultivars. Fruit ripening occurs mid-late to late season with moderate yields of medium-sized, glossy, bright pink fruit. The flavor is said to be mild with good fruit firmness.
This is a new introduction so proceed with caution. Test performance by growing one in the fruit garden or in the ornamental ericaceous border with other plants which thrive in acid soil. If this new introduction proves to produce excellent edible fruits it will be a great addition to the adventurous chef’’s arsenal. Imagine a late summer compote of mixed berries with the addition of the ‘Pink Lemonade’ fruits, topped with a lemon creme sauce and a sprig of fresh mint leaves or a blueberry pie with a mix of the traditional blue berries along with the ‘Pink Lemonade’ berries. WOW!
Recommended Reading:
The Backyard Berry Book by Stella Otto (Ottographics, 1995)
Blueberries, Cranberries & Other Vacciniums by Jennifer Trehane (Timber Press, 2009)
Denine Anderson-Regan // Jul 22, 2010 at 9:21 am
I just got the latest Michigan Bulb catalog and they’re offering it for Fall 2010. $14.99/pot. Their warranty is excellent so I think I am going to buy it from them – worst case scenario, it doesn’t grow and I can get my money back.
Liz // Jul 2, 2010 at 7:12 am
Shortys in vancouver wa has them!
Kerry // Apr 10, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Found one today at “Jerry’s” home improvement in Eugene.
Anonymous // Mar 29, 2010 at 5:16 pm
7dees has a lot of plants for 15 dollars a piece!!
Portland.
jboutame // Mar 27, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Got my pink blueberry bush at Bauman’s Farms in Brooks, Ore, near Salem. 3/26/10.
Brittanie // Mar 12, 2010 at 1:28 am
Picked up 2 at Al’s in Woodburn! Can hardly wait to see what they can do this summer!!
nancy // Mar 5, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Terra Gardens in Salem Oregon has a few of these exciting plants in stock.
cinderella // Feb 26, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Molbak’s nursery in Woodinville, WA has lot of ‘em.
Brooke - in Oregon // Feb 11, 2010 at 5:05 pm
My favorite nursery just got these in! Valley View Nursery here in Southern Oregon. WOO HOO I just saw it posted on their blog
megan // Feb 3, 2010 at 11:11 pm
I just got my pink lemonade blueberry from my local nursery today in Portland Oregon. SevenDees on SE powell blvd. I’m sure many other nurseries will have it soon as well!
Veggie Master // Jan 3, 2010 at 12:08 am
This plant grows 4-5 feet tall and can have the same width at maturity. If you’re going to try growing it in a container, start out with one at least 12 inches wide by 18 inches deep and fill it with peat moss, a low pH potting mix and about 10% compost. After planting, mulch with at least 2 inches of material to keep the soil cool and moist. Blueberries require 1-2 inches of water per week – more during hot spells. In warmer climates the container may stay outside all year. In the north it would be best to bring it into an unheated garage or basement for the winter. We don’t sell plants, but I’m trying to find out now where and when ‘Pink Lemonade’ will be available to retail customers. I will post the info on this site when I have it. Good luck and let us know how your blueberry growing works out!
betty // Dec 26, 2009 at 8:06 pm
how tall does the pink blueberry lemonade get? also can i grow it in a pot? do you put out a catalog if so would you please send me one.
Veggie Master // Apr 16, 2009 at 12:51 am
Welcome! Hope you have fun roaming around here.
overthetopaprons // Apr 15, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Thank you so much for commenting on my blog: overthetopaprons.blogspot.com I am so glad I found your site!