The European blackberry (Rubus bifrons) is a flowering plant closely related to the blackberries and raspberries. It is native to Europe and naturalized in some parts of North America. The branches of the European blackberry are arching and sometimes even creeping, forming a small shrub full of spines.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Rubus bifrons, the European blackberry or Himalayan blackberry, is a European species of flowering plant in the rose family. It is widespread across much of Europe and naturalized in scattered parts of North America. It is sometimes considered to include the species R. armeniacus.
Rubus bifrons is a spiny shrub up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall. Stems are biennial, arching, sometimes creeping. Leaves are palmately compound with three or five leaflets. Flowers are white or pink, in large arrays at the ends of branches, sometimes containing as many as 100 flowers. Fruits are black.
II. How to Grow and Care
European blackberry thrives in a range of environments and is known for its robust, invasive nature. Key care needs include ensuring adequate sunlight and managing its expansive growth. As an easy-to-care-for plant, European blackberry requires minimal maintenance but can benefit significantly from regular pruning to control its spread and encourage healthier fruit production. However, special care should be taken to prevent european blackberry from overtaking other plants in the garden.
Sunlight
European blackberry thrives best under full sun, where it receives abundant light to fuel its growth and fruit production. However, it can tolerate partial sun situations, though this may result in a decrease in yield and vitality. Adaptations such as leaf orientation help maximize light absorption, and in suboptimal light conditions, european blackberry may exhibit elongated growth as it seeks out more light. Ideal for outdoor planting, European blackberry should occupy a spot that garners plenty of daily sunshine, which enhances its overall health and robustness.
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. European blackberry prefers moist to slightly dry conditions, so it is important to avoid waterlogging.
Watering
Originating from regions with variable moisture, European blackberry has adapted to a moderate water regime, tolerating brief periods of dryness. It thrives best when the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, necessitating watering once every 1-2 weeks. As an outdoor plant often found in temperate zones, european blackberry benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering during its active growth cycle.
Fertilizing
For European blackberry, fertilize with balanced nutrition fertilizers; high-nitrogen variants are beneficial during active growth. Apply every 2-3 months spring through fall to promote vigor and fruiting. Use recommended quantities on labels; overly excessive application can harm European blackberry. For young plants, increase frequency to monthly, using a lighter dosage to support establishment. Always water European blackberry after fertilizing to aid nutrient absorption and prevent root burn. Conduct soil tests annually to adjust fertilization based on nutrient levels.
Planting Instructions
Generally, European blackberry is planted with saplings that are easily purchased from nursery or gardening store. Avoid European blackberry collected in the forest as diseases are a big problem for wild Rubus.
Plant your European blackberry in winter or early spring in your garden. European blackberry grows wild where there is much sunlight from above and a wealth of leaf litter, otherwise known as mulch or organic matter in the soil below. Because of this, your planting site is recommended to have ample sunlight and you should have organic matter such as grass clippings readily available. Keep your plants far away from any wild brambles to keep them healthy.
Also, plant your European blackberry in separate rows. The optimum spacing can be achieved by creating rows about 3 m apart with plants 60 cm apart within each row. Set a trellis on each side and tie the canes onto the trellis line or wire.
European blackberry will spread both rapidly and at long distances. If you do not want it everywhere in your garden, regularly prune it or grow it in containers. You are recommended to find a prickle-free and small variety to plant in pot, which may be handy for you. Use a shallow but large container for it because its roots spread shallowly outward. Potting soil and sunny place are standards for European blackberry.
Pruning
Pruning is important for european 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. European 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
Native to Eurasia, european blackberry is a robust perennial that thrives across various habitats. Propagation of european blackberry is predominantly achieved through cuttings, making it a straightforward process for gardeners. Practical tips include selecting healthy, disease-free shoots and snipping sections that include a few leaf nodes. These cuttings should then be rooted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring they are kept moist until roots develop. By providing the right balance of humidity and light, gardeners can effectively propagate new european blackberry plants for ornamental or fruit production purposes.
Transplanting
The prime time for transplanting European blackberry is when warmth settles in, typically late spring through mid-summer, ensuring robust growth. Seek out sun-kissed, well-drained spots and gently reintroduce european blackberry, encouraging its journey in the new locale.
Repotting
Repot european blackberry every 2-3 years to accommodate its vigorous growth as a rambling climber or bush. Best done in early spring to align with growth cycles. Choose a wide, sturdy container to support its expansive root system. Post-repotting, ensure ample sunlight and regular watering for resilience. Prune carefully to manage size and shape for optimal health and berry production.
III. Uses and Benefits
European blackberry is a vigorous wild shrub with pollinator-attracting flowers and edible fruits. Thus, it can be helpful in wildlife and other nature-supporting gardens. However, it is considered high-maintenance due to its rapid and aggressive growth, the ability to choke out other plants and create thorny thickets. Because of these traits, it is not a typical garden plant and might be too much to handle for an average gardener. More often, european blackberry is grown in rural settings and food forests due to its nutritious berries.
IV. 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.