About
This semi-evergreen shrub or short climber to 2.5m. The green leaves have attractively deep, parallel veining and are white on the lower surface. The flowers, once the shrub is well established, are dark red and develop into orange-red berries.
About the genus
Rubus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, often scrambling with bristly or prickly stems bearing simple, lobed, palmate or pinnate leaves and 5-petalled flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Shrubs
HabitClump forming, Climbing, Spreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen, Deciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE Himalaya to Assam
Care notes
CultivationTrain to wires on the sheltered side of a fence or wall, in any fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Alternatively leave free-growing to form a mounded shrub.
PruningOnce well established, cut some older stems down to the ground in late autumn to make room for new, each year. Tie these in to their framework if necessary.
PropagationPropagate by division or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)