Species

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry

Vaccinium ashei 'Powder Blue'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rabbiteye blueberries are heat-tolerant, vigorous shrubs native to the southeastern United States, valued for their productivity in warmer climates and their attractive, multi-season appearance.

'Powder Blue' is a popular late-season variety known for its heavy yields of light blue, firm, and flavorful berries. The fruit stores exceptionally well, and the plant itself is vigorous and upright.

Uses & Benefits:

'Powder Blue' is a handsome shrub year-round, with delicate pink-tinged white flowers in spring, dusty blue fruit against green leaves in summer, and fiery orange-red foliage in the fall. Its upright, spreading habit adds structure to the landscape.

This variety extends the blueberry harvest into late summer with its abundant crops of firm, sweet berries that are excellent for fresh eating, baking, and freezing. Its vigor and high productivity make it a rewarding choice for the home gardener.

The spring flowers are a vital food source for native bees, which are the primary pollinators. The fruit is eagerly consumed by songbirds and other wildlife. As a native shrub, it is an integral part of the local food web in the southeastern U.S.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

Southeastern U.S.

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a sunny location with acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5-5.5).
Incorporate organic matter like peat moss or pine bark into the soil.
Space plants about 6 feet apart to allow for their mature size.
Plant shallowly, with the top of the root ball slightly above the soil line.
Mulch deeply with an acidic material like pine needles or bark.
Water consistently, providing at least 1 inch per week during growth.

Pro Tip

For the best flavor, wait to pick berries for a few days after they turn completely blue.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a soil pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
Plant with another rabbiteye variety for pollination.
Apply acidic mulch annually.
Water regularly, as blueberries have shallow roots.
Protect ripening fruit from birds with netting.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, alkaline, or poorly drained soil.
Avoid cultivating near the base, which can damage surface roots.
Don't let the plants dry out, especially during fruit development.
Avoid using nitrate forms of nitrogen fertilizer.
Don't prune heavily for the first three years.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Late-season star of the edible gardenAttractive informal screen or hedgeMulti-season interest for mixed borders

Companion Plants

Vaccinium ashei 'Tifblue'Vaccinium ashei 'Ochlockonee'Azalea Pieris japonica Hydrangea quercifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry questions

What zones can Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry grow in?

Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry bloom?

Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry need full sun?

Powderblue Rabbiteye Blueberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.