Cutleaf evergreen blackberry blackberry is a fruiting plant that grows wild in many parts of Europe, and cultivated varieties are also common. Rubus laciniatus has fern-like leaves and black fruit on thorny stems. The black fruit are borne on a bramble, usually thorny, and are similar to raspberries in form, and with a sweet flavor. The fruit of the blackberry is ripe in late Summer to early Autumn. The blossoms are white or pink.Â
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Rubus laciniatus, the cutleaf evergreen blackberry or evergreen blackberry, is a species of Rubus, native to Eurasia. It is an introduced species in Australia and North America. It has become a weed and invasive species in forested habitats in the United States and Canada, particularly in the Northeast and along the Pacific Coast.
Rubus laciniatus is a deciduous, bramble-forming shrub growing to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, with prickly shoots. The leaves are palmately compound, with five leaflets, each divided into deeply toothed sub leaflets with jagged, thorny tips. The flowers have pink or white petals. Fruits are similar to the common blackberry, with a unique, fruitier flavor. The fruits are not true berries in the botanical sense.
The species is unusual in the genus in having 3-lobed petals and also in having such deeply divided leaves.
The fruits of this plant are eagerly consumed by a number of animal species, including many birds and mammals. The thickets provide valuable cover for animals.
Wild Rubus laciniatus has been grown for its fruits since 1770. Several commercially important berry cultivars have also been bred from it.
II. How to Grow and Care
Cutleaf evergreen blackberry thrives in a variety of environments, making it relatively easy to care for. It requires full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Special care points include regular pruning to manage its invasive growth habit and ensuring adequate space for its spreading nature. The plant is hardy and adapts well, which contributes to its minimal care difficulty.
Sunlight
Although you can find some Rubus species under the forest canopy, cutleaf evergreen blackberry loves sunlight. Full sun or partial shade (6-8 hours of sunshine) will be the best for it to thrive. Avoid too crowded bush to allow ample sunlight and air movement, which will prevent your plant from diseases.
Temperature
As a large genus, Rubus has a wide distribution range which means you are always likely to find a proper species or cultivar that grows well in your garden. Generally, Rubus species flourish in temperate zones, and adaptable to slightly harsh conditions. Select cultivars that may thrive in your garden, thus the preferable climate will encourage them to bear more edible fruits. Cutleaf evergreen blackberry prefers moist to slightly dry conditions, so it is important to avoid waterlogging.
Watering
Originating from regions with variable moisture, cutleaf evergreen blackberry is adapted to withstand periods of low water availability, exhibiting moderate drought tolerance. Its natural resilience translates into a watering regimen of once every 1-2 weeks, ensuring a balance between hydration and drainage. Typically grown outdoors due to its robust nature, cutleaf evergreen blackberry thrives in well-draining soil that mimics its native habitat’s conditions—critical for preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth cycles.
Soil
Cutleaf evergreen blackberry is not picky about soil, as long as the soil is slightly acidic and well-drained. The ideal soil pH range for it is 5.5–7 while a few species and cultivars of Rubus may tolerate slightly alkaline soil as well. Rich loamy soil mixing with some sandy soil can be a good option. Always remember to avoid the heavy clay soil because it can become soggy easily. Hilled soils that promote drainage can also be taken into consideration, instead of wet, flat fields.
Fertilizing
For cutleaf evergreen blackberry, a balanced nutrition fertilizer is ideal, promoting vigorous growth and abundant fruiting. Apply a 10-10-10 formulation annually in early spring as cutleaf evergreen blackberry’s new growth emerges. Distribute evenly around the base, avoiding direct contact with stems. Use approximately 1 cup for young plants, increasing for mature specimens. During active growth, complement with a half-strength liquid fertilizer monthly. Reduce feeding in fall to prepare cutleaf evergreen blackberry for dormancy. Always water cutleaf evergreen blackberry thoroughly post-application to aid nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.
Pruning
Pruning is important for cutleaf evergreen blackberry growers. Prune all canes that bore fruit this year down to the bottom right after harvest. All first-year canes should be cut about half to stimulate lateral growth from the side every late winter or early spring. Remove all suckers and trim overcrowded canes. Cutleaf evergreen blackberry grown in patches must be pruned to ensure that individual canes are not touching to avoid disease infections. Be sure to remove any thinned or pruned canes from the field because old canes left on the ground can harbor disease.
Propagation
Cutleaf evergreen blackberry, a bramble species with deeply toothed leaves and robust growing habits, thrives through vegetative methods. For successful propagation, prepare semi-hardwood stem cuttings with several leaf nodes. Ensure the cuttings are healthy and free of any disease or pest damage. Dip the base in rooting hormone to enhance root development and embed in a mix of peat and perlite to maintain moisture without waterlogging. Provide indirect light and consistent humidity, and once rooted, transfer cutleaf evergreen blackberry into a well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Transplanting
For cutleaf evergreen blackberry, the prime transplanting window is the cusp of spring into early summer, marrying the benefits of mild temperatures with increasing daylight. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and partial shade. Gentle handling of roots during the transition encourages robust growth.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Taste the fruit and it will tell you when it is time to harvest. Ripe fruits will be sweet and juicy. If they are still sour or tart, let them ripen a bit longer. Usually you can start harvesting from midsummer till mid-fall, according to varieties. You should harvest the fruits when all dews or raindrops are dry to prevent molds. They have a short shelf life, so refrigerate them after harvest without washing. As for some sour species, process them into delicious jams or jellies.
