Rubus idaeus 'Little Black Prince'

RHS Plant Profile
blackberry [Lowberry Little Black Prince]

Other common names

blackberry 'Little Black Prince'

Synonyms

Rubus idaeus 'Little Black Prince'

Plants for pollinators
Fruit Edible

An ever-bearing (fruiting on 1 and 2-year old stems), compact-growing blackberry reaching 1m. It has green leaves on thornless stems and has small white or pale pink flowers which produce a harvest for 3 or 4 months.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 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
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Suckering, 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
Trade
Horticultural Group
This genus produces blackberries

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in any fertile moisture-retentive soil in good light. No need to train. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See blackberry cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or tip layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Edible fruit

Pruning

Once established, cut older fruited stems down to the ground once harvest is complete. Tie in new shoots to their framework.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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