Overview

Rubus tricolor is a suckering shrub in the genus Rubus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Rubus tricolor grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include groundcover and erosion control. It is native to China South-Central.

About

Rubus tricolor is a species of prostrate shrub. Its common names include Chinese bramble, groundcover bramble, creeping bramble, Korean raspberry, Himalayan bramble, and groundcover raspberry.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rubus tricolor

About the genus

Rubus is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae, most commonly known as brambles. Fruits of various species are known as raspberries, blackberries, dewberries, cloudberries, and bristleberries. It is a diverse genus, and estimates of the number of Rubus species vary from 250 to over 1,000, found across all continents except Antarctica.

Wikipedia contributors, "Rubus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rubus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Rubus

Sunlight
Full sun, Full shade
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Rubus tricolor size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrub
Habit
Suckering
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.3 m
Suggested uses
groundcover, erosion control
Native to
China South-Central

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rubus tricolor

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can be grown in full sun to full shade.
Pruning
Prune to control spread and remove dead or damaged stems.
Propagation
Propagation by tip layering or semi-ripe cuttings.
Pest resistance
Aphids, Leafhoppers, Raspberry beetle, Gall mites
Disease resistance
Grey mould, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Rubus tricolor?

Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can be grown in full sun to full shade.

Where is the best place to plant Rubus tricolor?

Rubus tricolor prefers full sun and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Rubus tricolor need?

Rubus tricolor is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Rubus tricolor?

Prune to control spread and remove dead or damaged stems.

How big does Rubus tricolor grow?

Rubus tricolor reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Rubus tricolor hardy in the UK?

Rubus tricolor has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Rubus tricolor?

Propagation by tip layering or semi-ripe cuttings.

From the Fenn Plants journal