@gjensen , I didn't take your post as critical
They are quite pretty plants, I had thought about using as foundation plantings but likely they would just be deer food unprotected.
Most had berries and blooms when I bought them, so removed all at planting.
The soil in that area is well draining and I mixed compost and canadian sphagnum moss in with them.
Haven't fertilized them, but think it may be time, they have been in the ground for nearly a month and have been putting out new growth constantly.
The question I could never find and answer to and maybe you know? 4 plants were labeled with the cultivar name, but 2 just were labeled "Rabbiteye". They were from the same commercial nursery that labeled one other as "Rabbiteye, Brightwell". I assume that would mean the non-cultivar labeled ones are original or wild type? That's why I got more plants with known cultivar labeling to try to get all early to mid season bloomers for cross pollination.
The University of Georgia developed the first rabbit eye cultivars using some exceptional wild selections from South Georgia, and North Florida. These plants would not be representative of the typical wild example. These were exceptional plants, and crossing these selections is what started the southern blueberry industry. There was a desire to establish the industry in the south that was primarily a Northern enterprise, less some exceptions in the Appalachians where Highbush could be grown. The effort did expand to create a Southern Highbush, and now the Southeast has the corner on the early season blueberry market.
It would be difficult to know what the unlabeled plants are, unless you still have the tag and the Latin name is on it. Otherwise comparing them by their leaves, bloom time, ripening time, length of ripening time, and growth habits could give you some idea. I doubt they are wild plants. We could speculate otherwise, but . . .
Brightwell is another excellent plant. A vigorous, productive, and durable plant. It was also developed by UGA.
They do not need a lot of fertilizer. A little goes a long ways. HollyTone is a good fertilizer for these plants, and other acidic plants. While they are at this stage, fertilize them as if they are a potted plant and follow the directions accordingly. A little less than what they say is probably a good idea. It is easier to burn them than it is many plants. Miracle Grow type products for Azaleas and Rhodendrons works well. Cottonseed meal is a good fertilizer. Horse Manure is a good fertilizer for blueberries when used in moderation.
Do you know the ph of your water? High ph water can raise the ph of the soil over time. I learned this the hard way. You can compensate by periodically giving them a little sulfur. The major centers like Lowes sell it as a supplement for Hydrangeas. People like to adjust their bloom color. Also the more acidic organic material, the more tolerance they have. You will see them jump once the base of the mulch is suitable for them to grow roots into. That may take a couple years. The fertilizer Hollytone has some sulfur pellets in it.
