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Rubus thibetanus

ghost bramble

A medium-sized deciduous shrub with arching purplish prickly stems heavily bloomed white in winter, bearing pinnate leaves, dark green above and whitish beneath. Panicles of small purplish flowers and black fruits (inedible)

Synonyms
Rubus thibetanus 'Silver Fern'
Rubus veitchii
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White
Summer Purple Green White Black
Autumn Green White
Winter White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
W China

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow prickly, thicket forming, deciduous shrub; will grow in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 7

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)

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