Rubus thibetanus

RHS Plant Profile
ghost bramble
ghost bramble RHS 1989

Synonyms

Rubus thibetanus 'Silver Fern'
Rubus veitchii

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

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)

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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)