Do you like spending time outdoors in your backyard or garden? If so, then you’ll want to add some of these delicious berry bushes to your landscape! Berry bushes are a great addition to any yard. Not only will they provide you, and the local wildlife, with tasty berries all season long, but they’ll also add some beautiful color and interest to your outdoor space.
So, what are you waiting for? Add one (or more!) of these berry bushes today!
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Southern Arrowwood
Adding southern arrowwood, viburnum lantana, to your landscape is a great way to add interest to your yard. This shrub is native to Eastern North America (Zones 2 through 8) and thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
Southern arrowwood is a fast-growing shrub that can reach more than 8 feet tall. It has dark green leaves that are oblong in shape and small white flowers that bloom in the springtime. The berries that follow the flowers are black and glossy, and they are loved by birds. They are also edible for humans, just be cautious of the large pit in the center.
Southern arrowwood is an easy plant to care for and is drought tolerant once it is established. If you live in an area where southern arrowwood is native, consider adding this shrub to your landscape!
Black Chokeberry
The black chokeberry is a type of berry bush that is native to North America (Zones 3 to 8). It is a deciduous shrub that grows 3 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 6 feet wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy, turning red or purple in the fall. The flowers are white and appear in the spring and the fruit is black and about the size of a blueberry.
Black chokeberry is a very hardy plant that thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The optimal soil pH is between 5.1 and 6.5, but it can tolerate a higher pH. It prefers moist to wet soil that is well drained. While black chokeberry can be planted in mass plantings, it’s also a good choice for naturalizing an area.
It is a great food source for many birds and other wildlife. The fruit can be used to make jelly, jam, and pies, or it can be dried and used in tea. Chokeberry is a beautiful and versatile plant that should be considered for any landscape.
Blueberries
Adding a blueberry bush to your landscape can provide you with fresh, delicious berries for years to come. But, before you go out and purchase a bush, there are a few things you need to know.
First, decide which type of blueberry bush you would like to grow. There are four main types of blueberries including highbush, lowbush, hybrid half-high and rabbiteye. Highbush blueberries are the most common and can grow up to 12 feet tall.
Once you’ve decided on the type of bush you’d like to grow, it’s time to select a location. Blueberry bushes need full sun and well-drained soil in order to thrive. They prefer acidic soil, with a pH between 4.0 and 5.5. Avoid planting your bush too close to a tree or shrub, as the roots of these plants can compete with the blueberry bush for water and nutrients.
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect spot, it’s finally time to plant your bush. Be sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and mix some organic matter into the soil before planting. Water your bush well after planting, and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and avoid weeds.
Strawberries
Adding strawberry bushes to your landscape can provide you with delicious fruits and beautiful flowers. But before you head to the nursery, there are a few things you should know about these berry-producing plants.
First, strawberries are not true berries. Rather, they are classified as false fruits because it contains multiple fruit which comprises several small different fruits rooted in the flesh. And while most fruit plants have their seeds on the inside, strawberry seeds are on the outside of their fruit. There can be as many as 200 seeds on one strawberry!
If you’re considering adding strawberry bushes to your yard, know that they will need full sun and moist soil in order to thrive. Strawberry plants are also quite vigorous and can quickly take over an area if left unchecked. As a result, they’re often planted in raised beds or large pots to prevent them from spreading.
When it comes time to harvest your berries, be sure to do so early in the morning. And while you may be tempted to eat all of your strawberries right away, know that they will last longer if you store them in the refrigerator.
Berry Good Bushes!
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, adding some berry bushes to your landscape is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air. Not only are they beautiful plants that will add color and interest to your yard, but they also produce delicious berries that can be enjoyed all season long. Do you have any tips or tricks for growing berry bushes? Let us know in the comments below!
