Rubus fruticosus, commonly known as bramble or blackberry, is a vigorous scrambling shrub valued for its edible fruit and wildlife benefits. This thornless form gives you the advantages of a traditional bramble without troublesome prickles.

Pink or white flowers appear during summer, followed by aromatic blackberries. The dark green leaves can also develop attractive autumn colour before they fall.

Key features

• Thornless form of the familiar bramble
• Vigorous scrambling growth
• Pink or white summer flowers
• Produces edible, aromatic blackberries
• Dark green foliage with possible autumn colour
• Excellent plant for wildlife gardens

Plant size

• Height: around 150cm to 250cm when supported
• Spread: 150cm to 250cm or more if left untrained

Other common names

• Thornless bramble
• Thornless blackberry
• Blackberry
• Bramble

Benefits for UK wildlife

• Summer flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects
• Blackberries provide a valuable food source for birds and mammals
• Dense growth creates shelter and nesting cover for birds
• Foliage provides habitat and cover for insects and other small wildlife
• A useful choice for creating a productive wildlife-friendly hedge or boundary

Edible fruit

• Produces juicy blackberries that can be eaten fresh
• Fruit can be used for crumbles, pies, jams and preserves
• Pick berries when they are fully black and come away easily
• Leave some fruit on the plant if you want to provide food for wildlife

Growing tips

• Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil
• Grow in full sun for the best fruit production
• Will also tolerate partial shade
• Train long stems along wires, fences or trellis to keep growth under control
• Remove old fruited stems after harvesting and retain new growth for the following year
• Allow enough space for the vigorous stems to develop

Would you like to grow fruit while providing food and shelter for garden wildlife? Rubus fruticosus Thornless Bramble combines an edible crop with excellent habitat value.

Grow it along a fence, boundary or wildlife hedge where its flowers, fruit and dense foliage can benefit both you and your garden wildlife.