Blueberry Pink Icing - 18cm Pot

Blueberry ‘Pink Icing’ is a compact, fruiting shrub that combines beautifully coloured foliage with delicious, edible blueberries. 

One of its standout features is its unusual foliage. In spring, fresh new growth emerges in shades of soft pink, blue and deep green, creating a colourful display. As the seasons change, the foliage develops cooler tones, including a distinctive iridescent turquoise-blue during the colder months.

In spring, clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers appear, attracting pollinating insects. These are followed by plump, sweet blueberries with a rich flavour, which generally ripen during summer. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh from the plant or used in baking, smoothies and desserts.

With its naturally compact, upright growth habit, ‘Pink Icing’ is particularly well suited to large decorative pots, raised garden beds and edible gardens. It also makes an attractive feature in mixed plantings, where its colourful foliage provides interest beyond the fruiting season.

‘Pink Icing’ is self-fertile, meaning a single plant can produce fruit. However, growing another compatible blueberry variety nearby may improve pollination and increase yields.

Mature size: approximately 90cm to 1.2 metres high × 90cm to 1.2 metres wide.

Care & Growing Tips
Position: Plant in full sun to part shade. A sunny position encourages healthy growth, colourful foliage and good fruit production. In Melbourne, some protection from intense afternoon sun during extreme summer heat can be beneficial, particularly for potted plants.

Soil: Blueberries require acidic, well-drained soil, ideally with a pH of approximately 4.5 to 5.5. For best results, grow in soil enriched with organic matter or use a quality potting mix specifically formulated for blueberries and other acid-loving plants.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Water regularly through Melbourne's warmer months, as blueberries have relatively shallow root systems and can dry out quickly.

Mulching: Apply a layer of pine bark or other suitable organic mulch to help retain moisture, keep roots cool and reduce weeds. Keep mulch clear of the main stems.

Fertilising: Apply a fertiliser formulated for blueberries or acid-loving plants in spring, following the manufacturer's directions. Avoid over-fertilising, as blueberries can be sensitive to excessive nutrients.

Pruning: Prune in late winter while the plant is dormant or growing slowly. Remove dead, damaged or weak branches and selectively thin older stems as the plant matures. Avoid excessive pruning, as blueberries produce fruit on growth formed during the previous season.

Pollination: ‘Pink Icing’ is self-fertile and can produce blueberries on its own. Planting another compatible blueberry variety nearby may help improve fruit set and overall yields.

Harvesting: Blueberries generally ripen during summer. Allow berries to develop their full blue colour and soften slightly before picking for the best flavour.

Frost Protection: Established plants can tolerate cold conditions, although late frosts may damage developing flowers. Protect flowering plants during unexpected spring frosts.

Container Growing: An excellent choice for large pots and planters. Use an acidic potting mix, ensure good drainage and monitor moisture regularly during hot weather.

Bird Protection: Birds also enjoy ripe blueberries. Use suitable wildlife-safe netting if needed to protect the developing fruit.

Ideal for
— Edible gardens and home-grown fruit
— Large decorative pots and containers
— Courtyards and patios
— Raised garden beds
— Small gardens and compact spaces
— Colourful foliage displays
— Spring flowering interest
— Summer blueberry harvests
— Growing alongside other blueberry varieties
— Productive balcony gardens
— Mixed ornamental and edible plantings
— Gardeners wanting fruit and seasonal foliage colour
— Planting with other acid-loving plants
— Melbourne gardens with suitable acidic soil conditions