Rubus affinis

Weihe.&Nees.

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit

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Description

Rubus affinis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Large.

Distribution

Europe to Asia. Rare in Britain according to one report but it is not in.

Where It Grows

EUROPE: China (Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng) Denmark, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, France

Cultivation

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Hardy to at least -15°c. This species is a blackberry with biennial stems. New shoots are produced from the roots each year, these flower and fruit in their second year and then die. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.