About
Rubus phoenicolasius, the wineberry, is a scrambling shrub spreading by underground stems and producing long, red-flushed canes densely covered in red bristles. Pale-green leaves with white undersides turn yellow in autumn. Small, white flowers surrounded by bristly red calyces are followed by shining, orange-red berries. A beautiful and ornamental fruiting Rubus for a sunny, well-drained 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Shrubs
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina, Japan, Korea
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in most soils and situations but does best in a sunny position with moist but well drained, fertile soil
PruningUsually fan trained. Cut old canes to ground after fruiting and tie in new ones
PropagationPropagate by separating runners or by tip layering
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)