About

Rubus cockburnianus, the white-stemmed bramble, is a thicket-forming shrub with arching, prickly shoots with a brilliant-white bloom in winter. Pinnate leaves to 20 cm with dark-green upper surfaces and white-hairy undersides. Racemes of small, purple flowers are followed by rounded, unpalatable, black fruits. Grown principally for its spectacular winter stems � outstanding in a winter garden.

About the genus

Rubus, the brambles, raspberries and dewberries, are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, often scrambling, with bristly or prickly stems bearing simple, lobed, palmate or pinnate leaves and five-petalled flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible fruits. A diverse genus including many ornamental and fruiting species.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toN and C China

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 7
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood and root cuttings in early winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)