Grow and Care for Pink Lemonade Blueberry Plant: A Detailed but Simple Guide

Pink Lemonade Blueberry plant is a unique type of blueberry with pretty pink fruits instead of the usual blue. Pink Lemonade blueberries are a hybrid created by plant geneticist Mark E. Ehlenfeldt, using a Rutgers University breed by Nicholi Vorsa and a USDA-Georgia commercial variety called Delite. 

Pink Lemonade Blueberry plant grows up to 4-5 feet tall and can be grown in a garden and pot. The berries are sweet with a hint of traditional blueberry flavor, and the plant’s leaves turn bright red and orange in fall, adding beauty to gardens. It’s easy to care for, grows well in partial shade, attracts pollinators, and yields 2-3 quarts of fruit per season. It is perfect for gardeners seeking a plant that is beautiful, productive, and unique.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for the Pink Lemonade Blueberry plant—keeping it simple and stress-free!

What Is a Pink Lemonade Blueberry Plant? Cultural Info

Pink Lemonade blueberries are a distinctive hybrid created by plant scientist Mark E. Ehlenfeldt. One parent was developed by Nicholi Vorsa from Rutgers University, while the other parent, Delite, was bred by the USDA and the University of Georgia. Ehlenfeldt began his breeding process in 1991, and by 1996, the best plant was chosen for testing on both the East and West Coasts. After gaining popularity at a nursery in Corvallis, Oregon, it was released commercially in 2005 and named “Pink Lemonade” in 2007.

Why Grow Pink Lemonade Blueberry Plant? Benefits and Uses

Visual Appeal

Pink Lemonade Blueberries offer stunning visual appeal with their pale pink berries and vibrant autumn foliage. These unique features add a distinctive ornamental element to gardens, enhancing their overall beauty.

Nutritional Value

Pink lemonade blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They are low in calories and provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.

Compact and Versatile Growth

These blueberries grow to a manageable height of 4-5 feet, making them perfect for small gardens, containers, or larger pots. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in different climates (USDA Zones 4-8).

Easy Maintenance

Pink Lemonade Blueberries require minimal care, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. Proper watering, occasional pruning, and well-draining soil are all they need to thrive.

Pollinator Friendly

The attractive blooms and berries of Pink Lemonade Blueberries attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

Seasonal Appeal

Beyond their delicious berries in late spring and summer, the vibrant red and orange autumn leaves provide seasonal beauty, adding charm to the landscape during fall.

Culinary Versatility

Pink lemonade blueberries can be used fresh or preserved for a variety of culinary purposes. They are perfect for baking, cooking, making jams, and creating sauces.

Fresh Consumption

Raw Eating: Perfect for snacking or garnishing fruit salads.

Breakfast: Great addition to yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, or granola.

Beverages: Enhance cocktails, smoothies, and infused water with a touch of pink sweetness.

Desserts: Ideal for decorating cakes, tarts, and pastries.

How to Grow Pink Lemonade Blueberry Plant

Choosing the Right Spot

When planting Pink Lemonade Blueberries, it is important to select the right spot. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade, receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. East or north-facing garden areas are ideal, offering protection from intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates. Additionally, providing wind protection by placing them in sheltered locations or using windbreaks helps maintain the health of delicate branches and flowers.

Soil Requirements

Pink Lemonade Blueberries require acidic, well-draining soil to thrive. The ideal soil pH is between 4.5 and 5.5. Rich organic matter, such as sandy loam, combined with peat moss, pine bark, or pine needles, ensures healthy growth. Proper soil preparation is essential, as it allows for excellent drainage and prevents waterlogged roots.

Temperature and Humidity

Pink Lemonade blueberry plants grow best in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They need protection from very hot or cold weather and thrive in USDA zones 4-8. These plants like humidity around 50-60%, which you can maintain with regular watering, mulching, and light misting during dry periods.

Planting Instructions

In-Ground Planting

For in-ground planting, early spring or fall is the best time. Space plants 4-5 feet apart to allow good airflow. When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill with acidic soil and water thoroughly after planting.

Container Planting

If planting in containers, choose a pot with a minimum diameter of 18 inches and ensure it has drainage holes. Use an acidic potting mix specially formulated for blueberries. Place the container in a sunny location, such as a patio or balcony, and move it indoors during colder seasons for protection.

Watering Needs

Consistent moisture is crucial for Pink Lemonade Blueberries, but they should not be overwatered. Water approximately 1-2 inches per week, ensuring deep, infrequent watering. Techniques like drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal, and mulching around the base helps retain moisture. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent fungal diseases.

Never Skip: Lilikoi Passion Fruit Plant

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Plant Care Tips

Caring for Pink Lemonade Blueberry plants requires a careful approach focused on proper nutrition, pruning, and maintenance.

Fertilization

For fertilization, use an acid-specific, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 12-4-8 or a specialized blueberry fertilizer. Apply it in early spring before new growth begins and again in late spring. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the root system.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for maintaining healthy growth. It should be done in late winter or early spring, removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Aim to maintain an open center to improve air circulation and light penetration. Remove older, unproductive canes to encourage fresh growth and maximize fruit production.

Pest Management

Pest management is necessary to keep plants healthy. Look out for common pests like spider mites, scale insects, and blueberry maggots. Organic methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and promoting beneficial predatory insects can effectively control these pests.

Mulching

Mulching plays a vital role in maintaining soil moisture and temperature stability. Use 2-4 inches of organic mulch, such as pine bark, pine needles, or wood chips. This helps preserve the acidic soil conditions required by the plants and protects the roots from temperature changes.

Winter Protection

During winter, especially in colder zones (4-6), adding a thick layer of mulch is important. You can also use frost cloth or burlap wraps for additional protection to ensure the plant survives and thrives in spring.

What do Blueberry Pink Lemonade Plants Taste Like?

Pink Lemonade Blueberries taste sweet with a hint of tartness and a subtle citrusy flavor, often compared to lemon. They provide a refreshing, unique twist on traditional blueberries, making them slightly tart and refreshing.

Harvesting Pink Lemonade Blueberries

Harvesting Pink Lemonade Blueberries requires careful attention to ripeness, indicated by a bright pink color and slight softness. Gentle handling is essential to avoid damaging the plant and fruit, with harvesting done by gently rolling the berries from the branch. For storage, fresh berries can be kept in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or frozen to maintain their quality for up to 6-8 months, preserving their unique flavor and nutritional value.

How to Propagate Pink Lemonade Blueberry Plant

Propagating Pink Lemonade blueberry plants is easiest with softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Choose healthy stems about 4-6 inches long with a few leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to help roots grow. Plant the cutting in a mix of peat moss and perlite, which drains well and stays acidic.

Cover the cutting with a clear plastic dome or place it in a humidity tray to keep the air moist. Keep the soil damp but not soaked, and place the cutting in indirect light at 70-75°F. Roots usually form in 6-8 weeks. Once rooted, slowly adjust the plant to more sunlight before moving it to a pot or the garden. Using clean tools and giving the plant warmth and moisture will help it grow successfully.

Conclusion

The Pink Lemonade blueberry plant is more than a fruit shrub—it’s a beautiful and unique addition to any garden. It combines eye-catching pink berries with a delicious harvest. With the right care, like maintaining acidic soil, proper sunlight, and regular pruning, anyone can grow these special plants. They not only look stunning but also offer sweet, tasty berries that will delight your garden and your taste buds. Pink Lemonade blueberries are a rare, sweet variety invented in the United States. They grow best in sunny weather and are mostly found as seeds or at specialty stores.

FAQs

Pink lemonade blueberry zone

Pink Lemonade blueberry plants grow well in USDA Zones 4-8. They can handle winter temperatures from -30°F to 20°F. These plants adapt to many climates, from cold northern areas to mild southern and western regions. This makes them a great choice for gardeners in most parts of the United States.

Pink lemonade blueberry chill hours

Pink Lemonade blueberry plants need 250-300 chill hours to produce fruit. This means they require 250-300 hours of temperatures below 45°F in winter. These plants grow well in areas with mild to moderate winters.

What do pink lemonade blueberries cross pollinate with?

Pink Lemonade blueberries cross-pollinate best with other blueberry varieties that bloom at the same time. Good options include Bluecrop, Jersey, Duke, Patriot, Berkeley, and Northblue. Choose varieties that match your climate and growing zone for better fruit production.

Can you eat pink Lemonade blueberry?

Yes, Pink Lemonade blueberries are edible and safe to eat.

How do pink lemonade blueberries taste?

Pink Lemonade Blueberries taste sweet and slightly tangy, like regular blueberries, but with a hint of lemon that makes them unique.

How big do pink lemonade blueberries get?

Pink Lemonade Blueberries usually grow to the size of regular blueberries, about 0.2 to 0.6 inches in diameter.

What is pink Lemonade blueberry disease?

Pink Lemonade Blueberry plants don’t have a specific disease, but they can get common blueberry plant diseases like mummy berry, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.

What are the health benefits of pink lemonade blueberry?

They are full of antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamins C and K), and fiber, supporting heart and brain health while helping to reduce inflammation.