Species

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry

Vaccinium ashei 'Climax'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rabbiteye blueberries are large, vigorous deciduous shrubs native to the southeastern U.S., known for their superior heat and drought tolerance compared to highbush types. They require cross-pollination.

'Climax' is a popular and reliable early-season variety, valued for its vigorous, upright growth and large, flavorful, light blue berries. It is a heavy producer and requires a pollinator like 'Premier' or 'Austin'.

Uses & Benefits:

A handsome shrub with four-season interest: delicate, bell-shaped spring flowers, attractive blue summer fruit, brilliant red and orange fall foliage, and colorful reddish winter stems.

Produces a heavy crop of delicious and healthy blueberries that are excellent for fresh eating, baking, freezing, and making preserves. Rabbiteye types are well-suited for home gardens in the South.

The spring flowers provide an important early nectar source for native bees. The fruit is eagerly consumed by a wide variety of birds and other wildlife (if not protected).

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with acidic, well-drained soil.
Amend the soil heavily with peat moss, pine bark, or compost.
Plant shrubs in raised beds if your soil is heavy clay or alkaline.
Set plants at the same depth they were in the pot, spacing 5-6 feet apart.
Mulch deeply with an acidic material like pine needles or pine bark.
Water regularly, as blueberries have shallow root systems.

Pro Tip

Invest in a soil test. Achieving and maintaining a low soil pH (4.5-5.2) is the single most important factor for success.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Test and amend your soil to maintain a pH between 4.5 and 5.2.
Plant at least two different rabbiteye cultivars for cross-pollination.
Use an acidic mulch and fertilize with products for acid-loving plants.
Cover with netting as fruit ripens to protect it from birds.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or neutral soil.
Avoid using fresh manure or nitrate-based fertilizers.
Don't allow the shallow roots to dry out.
Avoid cultivating around the base of the plant, which can damage roots.

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

Productive edible hedgeSpecimen in an edible landscapeWildlife-friendly garden addition

Companion Plants

Vaccinium ashei 'Premier'Rhododendron species Kalmia latifolia Pieris japonica Gaultheria procumbens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry questions

What zones can Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry grow in?

Climax 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 Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry deer resistant?

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

When does Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry bloom?

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

Does Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry need full sun?

Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Climax Rabbiteye Blueberry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.