Vaccinium virgatum (rabbiteye blueberry) — Bushy

Overview

Vaccinium virgatum is a bushy fruit edible in the genus Vaccinium, part of the Ericaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vaccinium virgatum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and edible fruit.

About

Vaccinium virgatum, commonly known as rabbiteye blueberry, is a bushy, deciduous shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. As a member of the Vaccinium genus, it produces small, bell-shaped flowers in spring that develop into edible berries in summer. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained, acidic soils such as loam or sand, and prefers full sun or partial shade in a sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspect. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for cottage gardens, wildlife areas, flower borders, and for harvesting fruit.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Vaccinium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Vaccinium virgatum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Fruit Edible, Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Edible fruit

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Vaccinium virgatum

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in early summer
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, especially if container grown
Disease resistance: Honey fungus (rarely), Powdery mildews, Root rot, Chlorosis due to iron and manganese deficiency