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Vaccinium ashei (Rabbiteye Blueberry)

Rabbiteye Blueberry, Rabbit-Eye Blueberry, Vaccinium virgatum

Vaccinium ashei, Rabbiteye Blueberry, Rabbit-Eye Blueberry, Blueberries, Fruiting Shrubs
Vaccinium ashei, Rabbiteye Blueberry, Rabbit-Eye Blueberry, Blueberries, Fruiting Shrubs

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 the 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 the 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

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Vaccinium
Common names Blueberry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Fall
Height 8' - 15'
(240cm - 4.6m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Vaccinium corymbosum Midnight Cascade™ (Blueberry)
Vaccinium darrowii (Darrow’s Blueberry)
Vaccinium elliottii (Elliott’s Blueberry)
Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry)
Vaccinium pallidum (Lowbush Blueberry)
Vaccinium myrsinites (Evergreen Blueberry)

Recommended Companion Plants

Rhododendron ‘Ken Janeck’
Rhododendron vaseyi (Pink-Shell Azalea)
Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Blueberries (Vaccinium)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Vaccinium
Common names Blueberry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Fall
Height 8' - 15'
(240cm - 4.6m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Vaccinium (Blueberry) to pick?
Compare Now

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