How to stop blueberry plant dying?

[Mohali123]

Hi all, i planted blue berry shrubs 2 weeks ago, having purchased from Bunnings. Looks like it is not thriving. I used acidic potting mix ( like azalea one) and pine mulch, and depending upon rain conditions, watering almost every other day. It is turning red/ brown now. These photos are 4-5 days old and look much worse now. Thanks 

 

 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Mohali123. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about plant care.

Thanks for sharing the photos and details of your setup—it sounds like you’ve made some great choices, especially using an acidic potting mix and pine mulch, which blueberries prefer. The red and brown colouring in the leaves suggests the plant is under stress. Since the condition has worsened, it could be due to transplant shock, which is common when blueberries are moved into a new environment and take time to settle in. Overwatering or poor drainage is another possibility—while blueberries like consistently moist soil, they don’t tolerate soggy conditions well, so make sure the pot or garden bed drains freely. Also consider how much sun the plant is getting. Blueberries thrive in full sun, but newly planted ones can struggle in very hot or exposed spots. If it’s in direct sun all day, providing some light shade during the hottest part might help.

Remember, we have a Perfect Plant Promise, so if they do perish, you can always return them to the store of purchase with your receipt for exchange.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Mohali123]

 

     

Hi, thanks for your reply earlier. My plant looks like trying hard to survive, I am sharing few more pics, leaves are turning brown/ red. I am watering every 2-3-4 days depending upon if potting mix is wet or not. What else should I do? Also now winters around the corner and nights getting colder and less and less sun around, how should I protect my blueberries in Melbourne. Thanks in advance. 

[MitchellMc]

Thanks so much for the update and for sharing the new photos @Mohali123. 

It does look like your blueberry is really trying to push through, and it's great to hear you're checking the moisture level before watering—that's a smart approach.

The continued browning and reddening of the leaves could still be related to transplant stress, but the shift in seasons may also be playing a part. As the colder weather sets in and daylight reduces, it’s natural for blueberries to begin showing signs of dormancy, including red or bronze colouring in the leaves. That part isn’t necessarily a cause for concern—it can actually be part of their normal seasonal cycle, especially in Melbourne's cooler climate.

To help your plant along, make sure it's getting as much sunlight as possible during the day, and if it’s in a pot, consider moving it to a sunnier spot if needed. Protection from frost and cold winds will be helpful too, particularly for younger plants. You could place the pot against a brick wall for some extra warmth or use a lightweight frost cloth or garden cover if frost is forecast.

Keep monitoring the soil to avoid overwatering—blueberries don’t like sitting in soggy mix, especially in cooler conditions when evaporation slows down. 

Mitchell

[Mohali123]

  

[Mohali123]

These are 2 more photos in Melbourne winters now, no left over leave. Is this expected ? Are my berries still surviving? Thanks 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Mohali123,

You might like to start by reading How To Grow Blueberries for some general guidance.

The symptoms you're describing suggest that the plant is experiencing stress. Since it’s only been two weeks since planting, it’s not uncommon for newly transplanted shrubs to struggle as they adapt to their new environment.

One possible issue could be related to watering. While you’ve been watering every other day, depending on rainfall, the balance between overwatering and underwatering is crucial. Blueberries have shallow roots and need consistently moist, but not soggy soil. If the soil retains too much water, especially in poorly draining conditions, it can lead to root rot. Conversely, if the soil is drying out too much between waterings, especially during warm or windy conditions, the plant can quickly become dehydrated. Instead of watering every day, only water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. If you stick your finger past the mulch into the top 5-10cm of soil and it still feels moist, wait another day; if it feels dry, go ahead and water.

Another potential factor is soil pH and nutrient uptake. You’ve done well to choose an azalea-type mix, which is appropriately acidic. Still, even minor fluctuations in pH can interfere with the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. For example, red leaves can be a sign of phosphorus deficiency, which often happens when the soil pH is too high. Brown leaf edges may indicate potassium deficiency or salt build-up from water or fertiliser. It’s a good idea to test the soil pH using a Soil PH Test Kit to confirm the acidity is within the ideal range of 4.5 to 5.5.

Environmental stressors could also be at play. Blueberries require full sun, ideally six to eight hours a day, so if they are not getting this, I would suggest moving them to somewhere that they will get this amount of sun.

If the problem continues or worsens, it may be helpful to share updated photos so that the specific symptoms can be better assessed. Also, don’t forget that Bunnings offers the “Perfect Plant Promise,” which means you would be eligible for a replacement if your plant fails to thrive despite appropriate care. Just bring your receipt and the plant in for assessment.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob