Rubus phoenicolasius

RHS Plant Profile
wineberry

Other common names

Japanese climbing bramble, Japanese wineberry, wineberry

Synonyms

Rubus Japanese wineberry

Climber Wall Shrub Shrubs

A scrambler, spreading by underground stems, and producing long, red-flushed canes with red bristles and a few thorns. The leaves are pale green with white undersides, and turn yellow in autumn. Small, white flowers surrounded by bristly red calyces appear in dense clusters in summer followed by shiny, orange-red berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
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
China, Japan, Korea

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in most soils and situations but does best in a sunny position with moist but well drained, fertile soil

Propagation

Propagate by separating runners or by tip layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Usually fan trained. Cut old canes to ground after fruiting and tie in new ones

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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