Worse plant

I saw some tip dieback this spring, in our blueberry shrubs. It was a long winter, with and extended period of below normal temps, here in Wisconsin. However, we have three shrubs that are planted between our driveway and the neighbors driveway, so they get some extra water every time it rains. These three bb shrubs were free of tip dieback this spring. All of our shrubs are planted in the ground, which means they are in a more stable temperature over the winter months-that is, the roots are in a more stable environment. It is true that the ground freezes in the winter, to a depth of 20 or 30 inches. However, it does not get as cold as the air, so it is relatively warm compared to the atmosphere.

It won't be the light. That won't affect growth that much. More likely water, fertilizer, media, or just a bad plant. I haven't had bad plants other than ones hit by stem blight. Mostly it's been water logged media or incorrect pH that have held mine back.

fruitnut, that is what is so odd. they are fertilized the same and the media was the same batch. Maybe water in terms of their location (sun drying out one pot more than the other). I water frequently enough that it wouldn't be a problem. I may have to go with bad plant.

The one growing well is a mess, i am going to have no idea how to prune that thing for next year but there are tons of ground stems coming up and old big crossing stems too. seems like almost every branch crosses another one.

I may pull the weak plant and get something else that would help cross pollinate the pink lemonade and vice versa. for just one single plant as a x-pollinator, what would you recommend? something that preferably could be left outside but i guess i could slide it in the garage if i had to.

The one up against the building is doing better?

My best tasting are Sweetcrisp and Springhigh. Both bloom very early. I've heard good things about Reka but haven't grown it myself.

yes the one up against the building is doing better. reflective light from garage door? better winter protection from being slightly closer to building during winter (building heat)?

I dont think either would account for the drastic differences.

Did the missing foliage grow out normally in spring and fall off later? If so, did you see leaves dropping or did they just vanish?

The sections along the branches with no leaves never grew out. it hasn't lost any leaves and has been growing a little better the last few weeks.

My guess would be the soil mix in the two pots has different ratios of...something. Maybe the pH is higher in the sad one. Have you taken them out and looked at the roots? Maybe a root-pruning would help the runt.

I have two less-thriving blueberries, much sadder than yours. One was in the ground, so it had higher pH and less loamy soil soil than the potted ones that grew well nearby. I also had one that was not repotted well when a big box store took it out of the sleeve and put it in a pot to sell. The roots were matted.
My other blueberries are thriving.