About
A vigorous, fast-growing shrub with arching, sometimes thorny stems to 2.5m long, and ovate, lightly toothed green leaves with white felting underneath. Produces clusters of rounded pink flowers in summer which are followed by small, dry fruits in 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in any soil in full sun or partial shade. The native species is often considered a weed; hybrid cultivars have been developed with more ornamental value and better fruit.
PruningHand pulling and digging out young seedlings can prevent dense clumps from developing
PropagationPropagates by seed, and stem tips can root into soil to produce new plants
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds