Blueberry stems are often red in winter. It is the black portions that are of concern but can't see them clearly to see what's what.

Probably too early to see many signs of life yet but the budding on the red stems should start soon. Wait until the plant leafs out before deciding to prune and then remove only the dead wood this season.

And if the "blue hydrangea acid pearls" was aluminum sulfate, DO NOT apply any more!! Like many ericaceous plants, blueberries are very sensitive to aluminum levels and it only takes a couple of applications to kill them. Save that product only for hydraneas!

Thank you!

My northern highbush blueberries are still dormant. The main canes look to be a fine color, but your pictures are not in focus enough to see the buds. The red is your young wood. It's normal.

I don't use any soil acidifiers ... our soil is generally slightly to the acidic side, but I haven't done an actual soil test. My blueberries get additional water but pretty much have a free life. I would send a soil sample in to UMass' extension if I were looking to make amendments. They have the option to include crop codes on the submission form to receive recommendations.

Thank you!