Blueberry 'Florida Rose' (Vaccinium ashei)
Pink-Fruited Blueberry with Sweet Flavor and Stunning Color
Florida Rose Blueberry is a rare and beautiful low-chill Southern rabbiteye blueberry variety known for its highly photogenic and uniquely delicious blush-pink berries, compact growth, and sweet, floral flavor. Originally developed by the University of Florida, this cultivar is perfect for zones 8–10, especially for growers looking for something unique and ornamental without sacrificing fruit quality.
The berries ripen to a rosy-pink hue with a flavor that’s mildly sweet and refreshing, and they pair perfectly with other varieties like Sweetcrisp or Emerald for extended harvests and cross-pollination. With its glossy green foliage, petite size, and pink fruit clusters, Florida Rose looks just as good in the garden as it tastes in the bowl.
Compared to other pink rabbiteye varieties, ‘Florida Rose’ has a lower chilling requirement, making it possible and ideal to grow in warmer climates like Florida!
Why You'll Love It:
- Produces rare pink berries with sweet, floral flavor
- Perfect for warm Southern gardens (low chill requirement)
- Compact, ornamental, and ideal for raised beds or containers
- Self-fertile but thrives with a pollinator variety
- Adds beauty, color, and sweetness to any edible garden
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun and acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) for best results
- Mulch with pine bark or needles to retain moisture and acidity
- Water consistently—especially during flowering and fruiting
- Prune after fruiting to encourage healthy airflow and new growth
- Pair with a second variety (like Sweetcrisp or Emerald) to boost yields