Vaccinium ashei (Rabbiteye Blueberry)
Rabbiteye Blueberry, Rabbit-Eye Blueberry, Vaccinium virgatum
Native to the Southeastern US, Vaccinium ashei (Rabbiteye Blueberry) is a bushy deciduous shrub of rather open, spreading habit, with multiple seasons of interest. In mid-spring, attractive clusters of small, urn-shaped, white flowers appear on the naked stems. They are followed by abundant, juicy and edible, powdery blue berries in early-mid summer - a delight for birds, wildlife and humans alike! A mature shrub can produce 8-20 pounds of fruit each year, depending on variety. Its blue-green leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), turn spectacular shades of orange and scarlet for up to 4 weeks in fall. Rabbiteye Blueberry is more drought and heat tolerant than lowbush (V. angustifolia) and highbush (V. Corymbosum) blueberries. Plant two or more varieties to ensure cross-pollination and heavy fruit set.
- Grows up to 8-15 ft. tall (240-450 cm).
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture , well-drained, acidic soils. Mulch plants well to maintain even moisture for best growth and production. Some drought tolerance.
- Great for shrub borders, foundation plantings or as an edible hedge. Combines well with Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
- Native to the Southeastern US
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 2
– 9 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Vaccinium - Blueberries |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Summer (Early,Mid) Fall |
Height | 8' – 15' (240cm – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
123RF Stock Photo, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 2
– 9 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Vaccinium - Blueberries |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Summer (Early,Mid) Fall |
Height | 8' – 15' (240cm – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |