Pink Lemonade Blueberry Bushes

Named for its bright pink color, the Pink Lemonade doesn't sacrifice any of the sweetness and berry flavor that have made blueberries one of the best-loved treats of the summer months. Blueberry bushes are often prized as ornamental additions to a garden because of their bright fall foliage. The Pink Lemonade takes ornamental to the next level, combining the red colors of autumn and the delicate pale pink flowers of spring with the eye-popping hot pink of the ripe berries themselves come late summer. These berries provide a stunning contrast to the green leaves, creating such a lovely bush that you'll think twice about harvesting your fruit. However, once you do, the berries will reward your taste buds as well as your eyes. The Pink Lemonade variety is up to two times as sweet as the average blueberry and makes a delicious treat when eaten right off the bush. Their wonderful sweetness also makes these blueberries a perfect addition to dessert dishes such as pies and fruit tarts. Like other varieties of blueberry, the Pink Lemonade offers great health benefits in addition to the delicious flavor. Blueberries are a "superfood," packed with antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamin C that can boost your immune system, promote heart health, improve your memory and even help fight cancer. The Pink Lemonade blueberry grows well in zones 4-8 and has a strong tolerance for drought conditions. This plant is fully self-pollinating, however it will produce far more berries if it has a friend nearby. Mature plants will reach a height and width of around four to five feet. Thanks to its fairly compact size, the Pink Lemonade can thrive when planted in beds with other ornamental plants. This blueberry is also fairly hardy and will grow well outdoors, even in regions with chilly winter temperatures. Plant your Pink Lemonade blueberry bush and by mid to late summer you should see small green berries that ripen to a pale yellow and finally to the brilliant pink that inspired their name. If planted later in the season expect berry production the following summer. Admire the unusual beauty of your blueberries before savoring their sweet, familiar flavor.