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Rubus caesius - European dewberry

Rubus caesius
Dewberry, European dewberry.

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

A deciduous undershrub reaching up to 1m in height. Its bluish cylindrical stems are armed with prickles. They bear compound leaves with 3 light green leaflets that turn yellow-orange in autumn. The small white flowers of this bramble appear from May to June, followed by the formation of small black fruits covered with a bluish bloom, which are not very tasty. This hardy native wild plant in Europe prefers rich, moist to wet soils, in full sun or partial shade. Perfect for natural areas.
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
1.50 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Self-fertilising
Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time January to March, September to December
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Flowering time May to September
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Harvest time June to October
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Description

Rubus caesius, known as dewberry, blue bramble, field bramble, small bramble or blueberry bramble, is an undershrub of the Rosaceae family, widespread in Europe and Northern Asia. Adapted to rich and moist soils, this hardy, honey-producing plant is recognisable by its white flowers followed by small chalky, dark blue fruits. Easygoing and low-maintenance, it finds its place in natural gardens, in a small hedge or the understory.

The dewberry is a species of the flora of Europe and northern Asia. It is commonly found in central Europe, in the Alps up to 1000 m altitude, in various habitats such as sparse riparian forests (vegetation growing along rivers and streams), forest edges, riverbanks, field edges, paths, ditches, among hedges and on rubble. Rubus caesius is a small shrub with long trailing arching branches, often creeping, which can reach a height of 50 cm to 1 m. Its cylindrical, bluish stems are covered with slender, almost straight prickles measuring from 2 to 5 mm long, capable of causing injuries. The deciduous leaves are arranged alternately on the branches. They are composed of three toothed, ovate to lanceolate and hairy leaflets. The upper surface is light green and smooth, while the underside is covered with a soft down. In autumn, the foliage turns yellow to orange before falling. The white, 3 cm wide flowers, grouped in small spiny corymbs, appear from May to September. The fruits are spherical chalky, bluish polydrupes. They are edible but not very tasty. This plant has an extensive and shallow root system. It grows in nutrient-rich, moist to wet soils, often limestone, loamy, and clayey.

The dewberry is a robust and hardy plant, interesting for creating natural hedges or feeding bees with its nectar-rich flowering. It also lends itself well to the design of large borders in wild gardens or semi-natural areas that are a bit neglected. This Rubus caesius can be planted with native species sharing the same preferences for rich and moist soils. Especially Black Elder (Sambucus nigra), Red Elder (Sambucus racemosa), Hazelnut (Corylus avellana), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Together, these plants contribute to a diverse environment that is favourable to local wildlife while adding a natural touch to the garden.

Rubus caesius - European dewberry in pictures

Rubus caesius - European dewberry (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 1.50 m
Growth rate fast

Fruit

Fruit colour blue
Fruit diameter 1 cm
Harvest time June to October

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May to September
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 3 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Rubus

Species

caesius

Family

Rosaceae

Other common names

Dewberry, European dewberry.

Botanical synonyms

Rubus caesius var. turkestanicus

Origin

Central Europe

Product reference22302

Planting and care

The blue bramble is a very hardy, robust and low-maintenance plant. It prefers deep, fertile, moist soils with a tendency towards limestone. Its only enemy is drought. This bramble bears fruit in the sun or partial shade, but its fruits are of poor taste quality. However, they are sought after by birds. It is best to plant this bramble in autumn, from October to December. Be warned that if you plant it in your garden and do not harvest all its fruits, birds will spread its seeds everywhere.

Dig a hole twice as big as the root system. Scratch the root ball with a slightly sharp tool to loosen the root cluster and promote growth. Place the bush in the hole without burying it too deep. Water thoroughly to compact the soil and remove air around the roots. It is important to ensure that the plant does not lack water, especially in the first year after planting. Afterwards, watering will only be necessary in case of a dry summer.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time January to March, September to December

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Hedge
Region concerned Alpes et Pyrénées, Centre, Grand Est, Massif armoricain, Massif Central, Nord et Bassin Parisien
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Planting spacing Every 100 cm
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Common

Care

Pruning instructions In January/February, cut the branches that have borne fruits in the previous season down to ground level. Also remove dead branches and those that are weak.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time January to February, November to December
Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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