Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - January 18, 2013
From: Phenix City, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Soils, Shrubs
Title: Growing rabitteye blueberries in Phenix City AL
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
What type soil is needed to grow rabbiteye blueberries?ANSWER:
Vaccinium ashei (rabbiteye blueberry) is native to the American southeast, although it does not yet appear in our Native Plant Database, which is always a work in progress. From Texas A&M Agri LIFE Extension here is an article on Rabbiteye Blueberries which is very specific on the soil requirements for this plant. This article is emphatic that they will not grow in alkaline soils, which means that anyone in Central Texas, where the Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is located is out of luck. They demand acidic soils, which you probably have in Alabama. According to this USDA Plant Profile map, they do grow natively in Barbour County, which is right next to Russell and Lee Counties, and we can assume that the soils there are also appropriate soils. We suggest that you contact the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for Lee County for specific information on your soils.
Here is more information from Floridata, including that the Rabbiteye Blueberry does not tolerate clay or soggy soils.
More Soils Questions
Compare Natives to Lawn for Carbon Footprint Benefits in Durham, New Hampshire
September 22, 2010 - Are there carbon sequestration rate tables for turf (lawn) and bushes, shrubs, trees? I want to compare the carbon footprint benefit of lawn versus the same area put into native plantings.
view the full question and answer
Failure to thrive of Hamelia patens in Laredo
September 19, 2008 - I have a question regarding Hamelias patens(firebush)that I have been trying to grow for 2 years. I live in Laredo, Texas and this area should be an excellent climate for this plant. I planted 12 of t...
view the full question and answer
Problem with Adding 5 inches of Mulch and Soil Under Juniper
July 03, 2016 - My landscaper added about 3" of mulch and 2" of dirt under my ashe junipers to create a planting bed. Several have turned gold/yellowish this winter including a female tree. They are still flexible an...
view the full question and answer
Chlorine tolerant plants for planters near pool in Florida
June 01, 2010 - I am looking for planting ideas for two planters next to our hot tub/pool. Plants need to withstand chlorine from pool, not attract bees, and take full sun. We are in South Florida. The planters ar...
view the full question and answer
My newly planted Mountain Laurel isn\'t doing well.
March 13, 2009 - My mountain laurel was planted from a container in Dec. It is in part sun, clay soil, and its leaves are turning yellow. should I move it or will that kill it?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |