Edibles – Fruit – Blackberry Bush

Blackberry Bush

Botanical name: rubus allegheniensis 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 8 ft in height with up to a 12 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-3 growing seasons 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: white 

Bloom time:  spring and summer blooms, berries for harvest mid-summer 

Pruning instructions: prune lightly throughout the spring growing season to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: edible garden, pollinator garden, container plant, borders, herb garden

Special features: cold-hardy, pet-friendly, heat tolerant, clay tolerant 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release organic fertilizer one a year in the spring, feed with compost at the time of planting 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil: clay, loam 

Companion plants: lavender, sage, thyme, strawberries, hazelnut 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no