California blackberry
Rubus ursinus · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around california blackberry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Fruits
- Edible black berries (summer)
- Adult size
- 1 to 2 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (−15 °C)
- Origin
- West coast of North America
- Soil type
- Well-draining, tolerant soils
Care
Exposure
Place the Oregon blackberry in full sun or partial shade. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight promotes generous flowering and better fruit production. It tolerates partial shade but will produce fewer berries.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish a good root system. Once established, it is quite tolerant of drought. During prolonged dry periods, keep the soil slightly moist to optimize fruit production.
Soil
The Oregon blackberry prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils. It adapts to poor and even rocky soils. Avoid waterlogging which causes root rot.
Pruning and training
Prune after fruit harvest (late August-September) to remove the canes that have fruited. Keep the vigorous young shoots that will bear flowers next year. Remove dead wood and thin out slightly to control size.
Fertilizing
An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of fruiting. A balanced fertilizer or one rich in potassium will optimize fruit production.
Diseases and pests
Watch for anthracnose and powdery mildew in case of excessive humidity. Good air circulation limits fungal risks. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions; increase watering to remedy this.
Did you know?
Rubus ursinus owes its epithet 'ursinus' to the black bear which loves its berries in North America. Pacific coast Native Americans used this blackberry for centuries before its introduction to Europe in the nineteenth century, where it was crossed with other Rubus species to create the commercial blackberry hybrids we know today.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.