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Blueberry 'Climax'

3-Gallon

Height: 6-8 feet tall.
Spread: 4-6 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 7a.
Other Names: Vaccinium ashei 'Climax'

Description:
A vigorous rabbiteye blueberry variety known for its early ripening fruit, high yields, and excellent flavor. 'Climax' produces clusters of medium to large, sweet berries that are perfect for fresh eating and culinary use. This highly adaptable and disease-resistant variety is an excellent choice for home gardens, edible landscapes, and orchards in warmer climates.

Edible Qualities:
Blueberry 'Climax' produces firm, sweet berries with a well-balanced flavor. The fruit ripens in early summer, offering one of the first blueberry harvests of the season.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Baking
- Smoothies
- Preserves
- Freezing

Features & Attributes:
Blueberry 'Climax' features lush green foliage throughout the growing season, transitioning to shades of red and orange in the fall. In early spring, it produces clusters of delicate white, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Its upright growth habit and heavy fruit production make it an excellent choice for home growers.

This is a deciduous shrub with an upright, bushy growth habit. It requires cross-pollination with another rabbiteye blueberry variety, such as 'Brightwell' or 'Tifblue,' for optimal fruit production.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Blueberry 'Climax' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Edible Hedges
- Home Gardens
- Wildlife Gardens
- Orchard Plantings

Planting & Growing:
Blueberry 'Climax' will grow to be about 6-8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4-6 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1-2 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 30 years or more.

This shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. It requires consistent moisture, particularly during fruit development, and benefits from an annual layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Light pruning after fruiting helps maintain its shape and productivity.

Additional Characteristics:
- Early Season Ripening
- Requires Cross-Pollination for Best Yields
- High-Yielding
- Drought and Heat Tolerant Once Established
- Excellent Fall Foliage Color