Vaccinium virgatum
This taxon is an unaccepted synonym of a North American Vaccinium species, a Southeastern-adapted, highly productive and pest-tolerant fruiting shrub that generally requires cross-pollination for maximum yield and thrives in acidic, well-drained soil.
Common Names
Rabbiteye Blueberry, Rabbit-Eye Blueberry, Smallflower Blueberry, Southern Black Blueberry, Twiggy Whortleberry, Broad-Leaved Whortleberry, Large-Cluster Blueberry
Summary
Vaccinium virgatum, commonly known as rabbiteye blueberry, is a Southeastern United States native deciduous shrub that grows up to 8–10 feet tall with a spread of about 6 feet. It features white bell-shaped flowers in spring, blue edible berries that ripen in summer, pink fruit color before ripening, and autumn foliage that can turn red, delivering ornamental value alongside fruit production.
For cultivation, plant in full sun with well-drained, acidic soil (pH roughly 4.0–5.5); mulch with pine straw to conserve moisture and maintain acidity, and consider raised beds 8–12 inches high in marginal wet soils. Space plants about 5 feet apart in rows 12 feet apart; cross-pollination between two to three cultivars is recommended for fruit set, with bearing-age plants pruned annually for vigor. Mature plants can yield roughly 12–25 pounds of fruit, and the shrub is suitable for landscaping as a hedge or border; propagation is possible from seed, cuttings of semi-ripe wood, layering, or division of suckers, with late-spring frost protection recommended for earlier-blooming cultivars.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
8-10 feet
Spread
5-6 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 5-9, Zones 7a-8b, Zones 8-10, Zones 2-7
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Shade to Full Sun.
Soil Type
Acidic, well-drained soil with a pH about 4.5–5.5, moist but not waterlogged, often peat-rich or light loam with leaf-mould
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil.
Soil pH
4.5-5.5
Acidic soil
Bloom Color
White
Bloom Time
Spring
Foliage Color
Blue-green
Fall Foliage Color
Red
Leaf Lifecycle
Deciduous, Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Vigorous growth, 6-10 inches of new growth per flush.
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Aiton
- Publication
- Hort. Kew. 2: 12 (1789)
- Synonym Of
- Vaccinium corymbosum