Blueberry Centurion
Notify MeA prolific New Zealand-bred variety, Blueberry Centurion is a Rabbiteye blueberry prized for its abundant fruit production and adaptability. It produces medium to large, sweet-tasting berries in mid to late Summer, with a compact growth habit ideal for both home gardens and orchards.
Excellent for edible landscapes, containers, or as a productive feature shrub, it suits cottage, modern, and coastal gardens.
Plant in a sunny to partially shaded spot with free-draining, acidic soil. Keep the root zone moist, especially during fruiting. Space plants approximately 1.2–1.5m apart to allow for airflow and ease of harvest.
Mature size: Forms a tidy, upright shrub reaching approximately 1.5–1.8m tall and 1.2m wide.
Trimming: Prune in late winter to early spring while dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an open structure and encourage air circulation. Older plants may benefit from rejuvenation pruning by cutting back up to a third of the oldest stems to ground level.
Deadheading: Not required for blueberries, but remove any spent or shrivelled berries if not harvested to maintain plant tidiness and reduce disease risk.
Fertilising: Feed in early spring with an acid-loving plant fertiliser (such as for camellias or rhododendrons). Avoid lime-based fertilisers, and consider a second, lighter feed in late summer if the plant appears nutrient-deficient.
Watering: Keep well-watered during establishment (first 1–2 years), particularly in dry spells. Blueberries have shallow roots and benefit from consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Mulching with pine bark or peat can help retain moisture and maintain soil acidity.
Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant but may attract birds; consider netting during fruiting. Check for aphids or scale insects, particularly on new growth, and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Disease Management: Watch for signs of root rot (wilting, yellowing leaves) in poorly drained soils. Ensure well-draining, acidic soil to prevent this. Powdery mildew may appear in humid conditions—treat with a sulphur-based fungicide if necessary and maintain good airflow through pruning.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
