Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) CABERNET SPLASH

Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) 'Cabernet Splash™' (PBR)

A unique variety with dark purple leaves, combining utility with high ornamental value.

'Cabernet Splash™' (botanically designated 'VacBri1') is an exceptional variety that originated as a natural mutation of the well-known 'Toro' blueberry. While common blueberries are grown primarily for their fruit, this variety is a true garden design element. It is prized for its stunning spring purple foliage, which gradually transitions into a mottled mix of colors before turning into fiery red-purple tones in autumn. Alongside its beauty, it yields very tasty, sweet berries.

Key Highlights:

• High ornamental value: Dark purple spring growth and beautiful autumn colors.
• Edible landscaping: Ideal as a specimen plant, in decorative containers, or for edible hedges.
• Compact growth: Reaches 1.2 m (4 ft) in both height and width.
• Tasty fruits: Medium-sized, sweet, and aromatic.
• Excellent winter hardiness.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (Washington state). Discovered by Lynne Caton.
• Creation: A bud mutation of 'Toro' discovered in 2008. Patent application published in 2017.

Variety Characteristics

Bush and Foliage (Main Trait)

• Growth: Medium-sized, semi-erect, compact (1.2 x 1.2 m).
• Foliage color: In spring, leaves emerge dark purple (Cabernet color). In summer, they turn mottled purple-green, becoming mostly green by late summer. In autumn, they turn vibrant red-purple.
• Flowers: White with a slight pink blush on the sun-exposed side.

Fruit

• Size: Medium berries (average weight 1.34 g).
• Color and Flesh: Blue with a medium waxy bloom. Flesh is medium-firm and meaty.
• Flavor: Sweet (Brix 12°), with a moderately strong aroma.
• Productivity: Medium (the variety is oriented more towards ornamental appeal than maximizing commercial yields).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Very good frost hardiness, fully hardy in temperate climates (USDA Zones 4–8).
• Diseases: Standard resistance typical of common cultivars.

Harvest and Usage

• Harvest time: Mid-season variety.
• Usage: Primarily for home gardens, patios, and edible landscaping (ornamental and fruiting function).