Description
Japanese Blueberry (Elaeocarpus decipiens) is an evergreen tree native to East Asia, valued for its glossy, dark green foliage, tidy growth habit, and ornamental berries. This elegant tree produces dense, leathery leaves that emerge with a bronze or reddish tint, maturing to a deep green. In fall and winter, the leaves may turn vibrant red before shedding, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. In late spring to early summer, Japanese Blueberry trees produce small, fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers that eventually develop into small blue-black, olive-shaped berries that attract birds.
Typically reaching 20 to 40 feet in height and 10 to 20 feet in width, Japanese Blueberry has a naturally rounded and upright growth habit, making it suitable for a variety of uses, including as a specimen tree, privacy screen, or shade tree. It thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and performs best in full sun to partial shade. This tree prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil and is moderately drought-tolerant once established, though it benefits from regular watering in particularly dry or hot climates.
Low-maintenance and relatively pest-resistant, Japanese Blueberry trees require minimal pruning, often just to remove dead or damaged branches. Their uniform shape and year-round foliage make them ideal for both formal and informal landscapes. With its lush greenery, attractive berries, and seasonal leaf color changes, Japanese Blueberry brings year-round visual appeal and functionality to gardens, creating a sense of structure and natural beauty in both residential and urban settings.
