Rubus ulmifolius

RHS Plant Profile
bramble

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Synonyms

Rubus rusticanus

Shrubs

A vigorous, fast-growing shrub with arching, sometimes thorny stems to 2.5m long, and ovate, lightly toothed green leaves with white felting underneath. Produces clusters of rounded pink flowers in summer which are followed by small, dry fruits in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in any soil in full sun or partial shade. The native species is often considered a weed; hybrid cultivars have been developed with more ornamental value and better fruit.

Propagation

Propagates by seed, and stem tips can root into soil to produce new plants

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Hand pulling and digging out young seedlings can prevent dense clumps from developing

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds