Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Arapaho' (B)

Plants for pollinators
Climber Wall Shrub Shrubs

An early-season, self-fruiting thornless blackberry with rose-shaped, pinkish-white flowers in spring. Glossy, small-seeded black berries appear in early summer, which can be eaten freshly picked or used to make into preserves or juices. Great for wildlife

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing, 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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
This genus produces blackberries

How to Grow

Cultivation

Well-drained, neutral soil. Mulch with well-rotted compost or manure. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See blackberry cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by tip layering or from cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Edible fruit
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Prune at the ground level all the canes that have fruited. You can do this after harvest or during the dormant season. Thin out the remining canes to 8-10 strongest per plant

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, raspberry beetle and gall mites

Diseases

Generally disease-free