Tree
Japanese Blueberry Tree
Elaeocarpus decipiens
Varieties We Carry
StandardElaeocarpus decipiensFull to GroundElaeocarpus decipiens
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$29.95
7 galFrom$44.95
15 galFrom$125.00
30 galFrom$195.00
40 galFrom$495.00
45 galFrom$495.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size20-35 feet × 15-25 feet
About Japanese Blueberry Tree
Japanese blueberry tree (Elaeocarpus decipiens) is a dense, evergreen tree native to East Asia, admired for its glossy dark-green foliage and striking red leaves that appear sporadically year-round as older foliage turns before falling. Fragrant, cream-colored bell-shaped flowers bloom in summer, followed by blue-black ornamental berries. Hardy in NE Florida zone 9b, it is widely used as a specimen, street, or screening tree. Starting at $29.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season.
Active growing season.
Growth slows as temperatures cool.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Japanese blueberry tree grows best in full sun to partial shade in NE Florida, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sun for dense, symmetrical growth. It tolerates some afternoon shade and makes an excellent street or specimen tree.
Water
Water regularly during establishment (first 1–2 years). Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant; water during prolonged dry periods in NE Florida. Avoid waterlogged soils.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral sandy or loamy soils common in NE Florida. Fertilize three times per year (spring, summer, fall) with a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer.
Similar needs
Basswood
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $44.95Same conditions
Flowering Dogwood
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
Fringe Tree
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
Oakland Holly
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $125.00Same conditions
Pignut Hickory
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $24.95Same conditions
Red Maple
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $49.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Japanese Blueberry Tree a good plant for St. Augustine?
Japanese Blueberry Tree is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 20-35 feet × 15-25 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.