About
Rubus parviflorus, the thimbleberry, is a deciduous, thicket-forming shrub with palmate, lobed, mid-green leaves. Large, white flowers on two-year-old canes in spring and summer are followed by small, edible, raspberry-like, red fruit. A rewarding ornamental and fruiting shrub for a sunny, well-drained border.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitSuckering, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toWestern N America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moisture-retentive, fertile soil, which is well-drained and weed free. For best results, plant in a sunny position. They will tolerate light shade, but may produce a smaller crop
PruningCut back fruited canes to ground level soon after harvesting. Thin canes to prevent overcrowding
PropagationLift healthy suckers that appear between the rows and replant in a new spot. You can also divide large clumps when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds, raspberry cane spot, a fungal leaf spot, raspberry cane blight or a virus