Blueberry 'Climax'

 Blueberry 'Climax' Growing Guide

Plant Description:  

'Climax' is a popular variety of Vaccinium ashei, commonly known as rabbiteye blueberry. This deciduous shrub is known for its high yields and early ripening fruit. The berries are medium-sized, firm, and sweet, making them a great choice for fresh consumption or preserves. It blooms early in the season, and its dark green foliage turns red in the fall, adding ornamental value.

Native Range:  

The rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) is native to the southeastern United States, thriving in warm, humid climates. 'Climax' was developed in Georgia and is a widely grown commercial variety in the region.

Growing Zones:  

Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9, where it thrives in the warm temperatures and acidic soils common to the southeastern U.S.

Height and Width:  

- Height: 6 to 10 feet  

- Width: 6 to 8 feet  

This upright-growing shrub has a relatively dense habit, and its size can be controlled with regular pruning.

Growing Conditions:  

- Light: Requires full sun for the best fruit production.  

- Soil: Prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.  

- Water: Needs consistent moisture, especially during fruit development, though it does not tolerate waterlogged soil. A thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and maintain acidity.  

- Temperature: Requires 450-500 chill hours (below 45°F) to fruit well, making it best suited for mild winters.

Pollination:  

Though it can self-pollinate, 'Climax' benefits from cross-pollination with another rabbiteye blueberry variety like 'Brightwell' or 'Tifblue' for improved yields.

Uses:  

- Edible Landscape: 'Climax' is perfect for home gardens where both fruit production and ornamental value are desired.  

- Fruit Production: Ideal for fresh eating, cooking, or making jams and jellies.  

- Wildlife Garden: Attracts birds and pollinators, especially bees, during its spring bloom.  

- Ornamental: With its attractive fall color and spring flowers, it serves well in hedges or as a landscape accent.  

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.