Lowbush Blueberry

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The Brunswick blueberry is a Lowbush variety (Vaccinium angustifolium). This is important because Lowbush blueberries have different pollination needs than Highbush or Rabbiteye types.   

Here's what you need to know about pollinating Brunswick blueberries:

• Genetics: Lowbush blueberries are genetically diverse, often growing in wild patches with many different clones. This natural diversity encourages cross-pollination.   
• Self-fertility: While Lowbush blueberries are somewhat self-fertile, cross-pollination significantly increases fruit set and berry size.
• Pollinators:
  • Other Lowbush varieties: The best pollinators for Brunswick are other Lowbush varieties. Since they often grow in wild patches, any other Lowbush blueberry nearby will likely be a good pollinator.
  • "Half-High" blueberries: These hybrids (crosses between Highbush and Lowbush) can sometimes work as pollinators for Lowbush varieties, but they are not as effective as other Lowbush types.

Key Considerations:

• Proximity: Plant other Lowbush blueberries within a reasonable distance (ideally within a few hundred feet) to encourage cross-pollination.
• Natural pollination: In wild settings, Lowbush blueberries are effectively pollinated by native bees (especially bumblebees and blueberry bees), as well as other insects. If you live in an area with a healthy native bee population, you may not need to do anything extra to ensure pollination.  

Important Note: You do not want to plant Highbush or Rabbiteye blueberries as pollinators for Brunswick. They are different species and will not effectively cross-pollinate.

If you are planting Brunswick in a more cultivated setting (like a garden), it's a good idea to plant at least a couple of different Lowbush varieties to ensure good cross-pollination and a bountiful harvest.