These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
2 year old plants, 16-20 inches tall. 1 Liter container.
Elliot Northern Highbush Blueberry
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Elliot' is a Northern Highbush blueberry cultivar (Vaccinium corymbosum) introduced in 1973. It is a popular late-season variety.
Patent Status: 'Elliot' Blueberry was released in 1973, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars. Therefore, 'Elliot' Blueberry either is not patented, or any granted patent has since expired, and it is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium to large-sized (around ½ inch), firm, sky-blue berries with a tangy-sweet flavor that becomes sweeter when fully ripe. It is known for its very late and abundant yields, extending the blueberry season. The berries store well for a long period.
Ripening Time: 'Elliot' is a very late-season ripening Northern Highbush blueberry, typically maturing in August and even into September in some regions, making it one of the last highbush varieties to ripen.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Elliot' is a vigorous, upright shrub with an open growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 4 to 6 feet. It has grey-green foliage that turns an attractive deep wine-red in the fall. The burgundy stems add seasonal interest, especially in winter.
Flowers: Produces white flowers that are sometimes blushed with pink in the late spring. The late bloom helps it avoid late spring frosts.
Hardiness: 'Elliot' is very cold hardy, generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 7 (some sources say 5a-8b), making it suitable for colder climates. It requires a high number of chill hours (800+).
Pollination: While 'Elliot' is self-pollinating, cross-pollination with another late or very late-season Northern Highbush variety is recommended for optimal fruit set and potentially larger yields.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production.
Soil: Prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Watering: Needs even and consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruit development.
Fertilizing: Benefits from fertilization in early spring with an acid-forming fertilizer specifically formulated for blueberries.
Pruning: Should be pruned annually in late winter while the plant is dormant to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to encourage new, productive growth.
Uses: The late-season berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating (wait until fully ripe for best sweetness)
Baking (holds up well in pies and tarts)
Freezing
Extending the fresh blueberry season into fall.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract bees, and the berries are a food source for birds and butterflies.
Ornamental Value: 'Elliot' offers year-round interest with its spring flowers, summer foliage, sky-blue berries, and striking deep wine-red fall color and burgundy winter stems. Its upright habit can make it suitable for hedges.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Elliot' is generally considered to have good disease resistance.
