Rabbiteye Blueberries for Late Season Color

Blueberry (Vacciunium spp.) shrubs provide some of the best late season color in our garden. Their fiery foliage gets better as the weather cools. During November, the leaves slowly transform from green to yellow reaching their peak color of orange and red during December.  

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In our garden, six shrubs create a vibrant hedgerow that borders the kitchen garden and industrial looking storm water runoff area. More shrubs provide a screen along our property line.

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In March these shrubs are covered in blooms that support early emerging native pollinators such as the Southeastern blueberry bee, swallowtail and skipper butterflies and clearwing moths. I have written about these shrubs in their  spring form in the previous years. You read about them here and here.

Mixing annual edibles with ornamentals in a home garden is a popular practice in residential landscapes. Adding edible shrubs and trees is another great way to add long term value. Not only do will they provide you with delicious berries but many fruit bearing shrubs provide interest for three to four seasons.

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Rabbiteye species are native to Georgia and grow well across the state. Choose at least two varieties that bloom at the same time to provide cross-pollination, which ensures better fruit set and larger berries. If you want a broader harvest season plant several varieties with early to mid to late season ripening times. 

Early Season: Austin,  Alapaha, Climax, Premier, Vernon, Titan

Mid-Season: Brightwell, Powderblue, Tifblue

Late Season: Baldwin, Centurion, Ochlockonee


Note on other types of blueberries grown in Georgia

Southern highbush are typically grown [commercially] in south Georgia. They are more difficult to grow and are more prone to be eaten by deer making them a less desirable choice for the home garden. This species ripens early in the season and is attractive to birds and other wildlife.

Northern highbush is a good option for the mountains of North Georgia. This species generally blooms later in the spring making it a better choice for areas that are prone to late spring freezes. This species does need higher chill hours than rabbiteye so it isn't recommended for the Piedmont region.  

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Blueberry shrubs are easy to grow in the right soil and light conditions, preferring acidic soils with a 4.5 to 5.5 pH and at least 6 hours of sun. In the home landscape blueberries are an attractive shrubs that can be planted in masses to create a hedgerow or privacy screen. They can be used as a focal point in the landscape or grown in containers for smaller spaces or patio gardens.  Now is a good time to plant them.  

Comments

  1. ok, so I have not lived in GA for long and I am clueless. Here in Rome our yard is incredibly hard red clay, and although I have managed to plant and grow various native plants - lobelia, perennial sunflowers, mountain mint, asters, hyssop.. But I have no clue about ph and what the ph of our clay would be. I would love to get the pick out next year and chip out some holes for blueberries, but I don't have what it takes to do BIG holes. (I'm 71, LOL) Would rabbiteye blueberries do ok in clay, or would they need big holes with lots of amendment? Thanks for taking the time to read this long-winded question! SARAH

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    1. Hi Sarah, the best way to test your soil pH is to take a soil sample (about 1 cup) to your local Extension office. If you are in Rome that would be Floyd County Extension https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/floyd/contact-us.html Once you find out your soil pH you can amend as necessary. Blueberries grow well in acidic soil. I would suggest that you add some leave and wood mulch to the area which will help retain moisture. With the winter rain the soil should be easier to dig when you are ready to plant. It is best to dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as your container. then back fill with the soil you removed. No need to add amended soil. I'm happy to answer any other questions you have but there is also a Master Gardener group in Floyd County or the Ag Agent can help you. Good luck!

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  2. I can't grow this without a lot of soil amending, but try every year. They're gorgeous. Yes, the birds and other critters get all the berries.

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    Replies
    1. Have you ever tried growing them in a container? Maybe easier to control soil pH and proper moisture levels.

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  3. I have two ‘Sunshine Blue’ rabbiteye bushes and love them for their dainty habit (they top off at about 4-5’) but they do tend to bloom a bit early. I should try some of the later blooming cultivars. Where did you buy yours? I got my Sunshine Blue from a guy selling them at a Plant Delights open house.

    Your posts are always so informative and a delight to read.

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One of my favorite things about blogging is the conversation with readers. Leave a comment and let's get talking. ~Karin

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