About
Karaka Black' is a thorny-stemmed blackberry cultivar with arching canes to around 2m tall bearing lobed, dark green leaves. White flowers are followed by large, shiny black fruit reaching up to 7.5cm in length; the long cropping season extends from early summer into autumn.
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
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Fruit Edible
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationUsually grown fan-trained on free-standing post and wire support systems. Mulch with well-rotted compost or manure. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See blackberry cultivation for further advice
PruningCut out old canes following fruiting and tie in new canes; see pruning blackberries
PropagationPropagate by tip layering or from cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, raspberry beetle and gall mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)