Rubus cockburnianus
white-stemmed bramble
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A thicket-forming, ornamental shrub that produces a succession of purple flowers throughout the summer followed by unpalatable fruit. It is a valuable plant for adding winter interest to the garden after it has shed its leaves. The arching, thorny stems develop a glowing white bloom in winter and these look luminous when exposed in the low winter light. This flowering raspberry is perfect for a sunny wildlife garden or woodland edge. - Garden care: In March put on some thorn-proof gloves and cut back the stems to within two or three buds from the base. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant.