About
This large, very vigorous, hardy and dense deciduous shrub with dark green foliage, thorny arching stems and unusual and attractive pom-pom shaped double pink flowers, appearing from mid to late summer. Loved by butterflies and other pollinators. Ideal for planting in a hedge to fill in any gaps or training up a wall or trellis or left to scramble through other trees and shrubs but it can become a nuisance if not kept in check. Plant in a container plunged into a border to restrict the size if you wish to keep it more compact.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows in most humus-rich soil types in sun to partial shade, but avoid waterlogged soil. It has the potential to become a nuisance if not kept in check
PruningCut back stems to ground level after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division or tip layering
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)