About
Rubus fruticosus agg., the blackberry, is a vigorous, thorny scrambling shrub producing pink or white flowers in summer followed by richly aromatic, edible, jet-black berries. A valuable wildlife plant providing food and shelter, with dark-green, three-leafleted leaves offering good autumn tints. An invaluable and ornamental plant for a wild garden or hedgerow.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Climber Wall Shrub
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationCan be fan-trained to provide fruit, but more suited to a wildlife garden. Tolerates most soils and situations, but needs sun to flower and fruit well. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See blackberry cultivation and brambles for more advice
PruningCutting out old canes, and shortening new ones, helps retain some measure of control but plants may need cutting to the ground every few years
PropagationPropagate by seed or by tip layering, which it does naturally
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)