Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Apache' (B)

RHS Plant Profile
blackberry 'Apache'
Plants for pollinators
Fruit Edible Shrubs

This plant produces large, 7-10g sweet black fruit in mid-season on upright, thornless canes to 2m tall and 1.2 m wide. The fruit are suitable for desserts and cooking

Position

Full sun

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
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–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
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

Can be fan trained and tolerates most soils but does best in neutral or slightly acid soils, but needs sun to flower and fruit well. Mulch with well-rotted compost. 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

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Edible fruit
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Cut out old canes following fruiting and tie in new canes; see pruning blackberries

Pests

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

Diseases

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