Silver Dollar is a breakthrough compact blueberry that rewrites expectations for what a dwarf variety can deliver. Standing just 2 to 3 feet tall and equally wide, this Oregon-bred cultivar (ZF06-089) earns its name from foliage that shimmers with silvery tones through spring and early summer before deepening to emerald green in fall. It produces medium-sized blue berries with an uncommon sweet pineapple flavor, ripening across a long season from mid-August through the first frost. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and acidic soil, reaching productivity in 2 to 3 years.
48
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
36in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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The foliage alone makes this variety worth growing; eucalyptus-like leaves catch the light with silvery shimmer in spring, creating a garden showstopper before the patio or border even produces fruit. That's just the opening act. Come summer, medium-sized blueberries arrive with a pineapple-sweet flavor that breaks the mold for dwarf varieties, and the plant keeps producing through October. Its compact mounding form and self-pollinating nature mean a single plant earns its space without demanding a pollinator partner.
Silver Dollar functions as a dual-purpose plant for gardeners in temperate climates. Fresh off the branch, the pineapple-sweet berries are eaten out of hand or tossed into breakfast bowls and smoothies. Its compact size and ornamental foliage make it equally at home in a container on a sunny patio, a perennial border, or a small-space edible garden where it provides both visual interest and a genuine harvest. The extended ripening period from mid-August through October means fresh berries across the fall season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant bare-root or container-grown plants in early spring or fall while the plant is dormant. Harden off container-grown plants over a week of gradually increasing sun exposure before planting in a full-sun location. Space plants 4 feet apart in amended soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Water deeply after planting to settle soil and eliminate air pockets.
Berries ripen from mid-August through the first frost, shifting from green to blue as they mature. Pick when fully blue and slightly soft to the touch; ripe berries release easily from the plant with a gentle tug. The extended ripening period allows multiple pickings across fall, with some sources noting a second flush of fruit in October. Taste a few berries to confirm sweetness before harvesting; they sweeten for a day or two after turning blue.
Minimal pruning is needed for this naturally tidy, mounding form. In early spring, before growth begins, remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the plant's compact shape and ensure good air circulation. Avoid heavy heading back; Silver Dollar's restrained size means it rarely requires major renovation pruning.
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“Silver Dollar emerged in 2013 from an Oregon breeder as a daughter of the popular Toro variety, representing a deliberate effort to create a blueberry that combines the ornamental appeal of silver-toned foliage with genuine productivity. The cultivar designation ZF06-089 marks its place in commercial breeding programs, and it arrived at a moment when gardeners were seeking compact berry plants for smaller spaces. Its release into commerce through major nurseries reflects confidence in a variety that breaks the traditional blueberry mold by delivering both seasonal visual drama and exceptional fruit flavor.”