Vaccinium ashei ‘Alapaha’

If there is one fruit that tells the story of Southern summers, it is the blueberry. And among them, Vaccinium ashei ‘Alapaha’ stands tall—an early-ripening rabbiteye that marries tradition with modern refinement.

Bred at the University of Georgia and named for the Alapaha River, this cultivar carries the deep heritage of the South while offering the gardener reliability and vigor. Its blooms—white and bell-shaped—arrive in spring like a quiet herald, soon followed by firm, medium-sized berries that ripen a full week ahead of most rabbiteyes. The fruit is sweet with a balanced tang, ideal for fresh eating, cobblers, preserves, or a handful eaten straight from the bush on a hot afternoon.

‘Alapaha’ is more than fruit—it is resilience. Heat-tolerant, disease-resistant, and perfectly at home in sandy or loamy soils, this shrub grows with ease in the very landscapes that raised it. Its growth is upright and compact, making it suitable for both backyard gardens and small orchards. Like all rabbiteyes, it benefits from a pollination partner such as ‘Climax’ or ‘Brightwell,’ ensuring a bounty fit for sharing.

Key Features & Benefits

• Early-ripening rabbiteye blueberry, extending the harvest season

• Medium, firm berries with balanced sweetness and tang

• Upright, compact growth—excellent for home gardens or small orchards

• Heat- and disease-resistant, bred specifically for Southern conditions

• Best fruit set with a pollination partner (e.g., ‘Climax’ or ‘Brightwell’)

To plant an ‘Alapaha’ is to take part in a story older than ourselves: the story of the land’s generosity, the kitchen’s delight, and the simple joy of gathering fruit beneath a summer sky.