Rubus caesius
European dewberry
A deciduous woody plant, similar to a bramble, that will trail as groundcover or grow upwards if given support. White flowers are followed by bluish-black fruits that are smaller than blackberries. Stems will flower and bear fruit in their second year, then die back
Synonyms
Rubus caesius var. ferox
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Blue | |
| Autumn | Green | Blue | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming, Trailing, Climbing
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to Himalayas, NW Africa, Yemen
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in sun or partial shade in free-draining soil. Can be kept under control with annual pruning and removal of newly rooted sections of stem
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by tip layering, which it does naturally
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Banks and slopes
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Edible fruit
- Ground cover
Pruning
Prune out old fruited stems
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)
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