Blackberry 'Reuben' Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Reuben' (PBR) (B)
ABOUT
Rubus fruticosus, in its broadest sense, is the blackberry. There are both thorny and thornless cultivars available with long arching canes. This plant is a late primocane, fruiting on canes in the first year and produces large, 11g sweet black fruit in late summer on compact thorny canes. The fruit are of moderate flavour and are suitable for desserts and cooking
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Blackberry, Bramble, European Blackberry, Wild Blackberry.
Common names
Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Reuben' (PBR) (B)
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: Produces large, tasty blackberries that can be eaten fresh or used in various culinary dishes such as pies, jams, and jellies.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, providing food for wildlife and aiding in pollination of the garden.
- Ornamental Value: Features attractive white or pink flowers during the bloom season, adding aesthetic appeal to the garden.
- Long Harvest Season: Offers an extended harvest period compared to some other berry varieties, allowing for a longer time to enjoy the fruits.
- Easy Pruning: Known for its more straightforward pruning requirements, aiding gardeners in maintaining plant health and promoting better yields.
- Drought Tolerance: Displays resilience during periods of low rainfall, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Soil Adaptability: Adapts well to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth.
- Privacy Screening: When grown as a hedge or thicket, can provide privacy and windbreaks in the landscape.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The leaves and roots of blackberry plants have been traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antidiarrheal: Blackberry fruits, leaves, and roots are known to help in treating diarrhea.
- Antioxidant: Blackberries are high in vitamins C and E, which are powerful antioxidants.
- Astringent: The tannins present in blackberries possess astringent qualities, which can help with oral health and mild skin irritations.
- Gastroprotective: Some compounds in blackberries may help in protecting the gastrointestinal tract.
- Antimicrobial: Blackberry extracts have been studied for their antimicrobial activity against various pathogens.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Blackberry 'Reuben' can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, yielding colors from soft purples to deep blues depending on the mordant used.
- The thorny stems can be woven into barriers or informal fencing, providing a deterrent to garden pests and unauthorized visitors.
- When dried, the canes of the blackberry plant can be used as fuel for wood fires, giving off a pleasant, sweet aroma when burned.
- Leaves of the blackberry 'Reuben' can be used to create a natural polish or shine for leather goods, by rubbing the leaves directly onto the surface.
- Blackberry plants can be trained to grow over arbors or trellises, creating a living green space that doubles as a fruit-producing zone.
- The strong fibers from the canes can be used in crafting, such as basket weaving or creating homemade paper.
- The leaves and fruit can be used to feed silkworms, providing a varied diet which can sometimes influence the color of the silk produced.
- Pressed and dried blackberry leaves and flowers from 'Reuben' can be used in botanical art and crafts, such as creating bookmarks or decorative cards.
- During the off-season, pruned canes of the blackberry 'Reuben' can be used as natural stakes for supporting other plants in the garden.
- The tartness of the unripe fruit can be utilized in creating savory dishes, such as chutneys or relishes to accompany meats.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe blackberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe blackberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The blackberry bush, with its thorny branches, has been associated with protection throughout history, symbolizing a natural barrier against negative forces.
- Prosperity: Blackberries are abundant fruit producers, and so they've come to symbolize wealth and abundance in various cultures.
- Healing: Historically, blackberry plants have been used in folk medicine, leading to their association with healing and health.
- Growth and Renewal: Blackberry bushes are vigorous growers and can regenerate from damage, symbolizing personal growth, healing, and resilience.
WaterBlackberry 'Reuben' prefers consistent moisture, especially during fruiting periods. Water the plant deeply once a week, applying about 1 to 2 inches of water around the base of the plant. In hotter, drier periods, increase watering frequency to twice per week but be careful not to overwater, as blackberries do not like soggy soil. During the winter, reduce watering since the plant is dormant and requires less moisture. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to ensure that the plant truly needs more moisture.
LightBlackberry 'Reuben' thrives in full sun with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting is an open area away from large trees or buildings that might cast shade. Adequate sunlight is critical for fruit production and overall plant health, so ensure that your blackberry bush is not shaded during the peak sun hours.
TemperatureBlackberry 'Reuben' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They prefer warmer climates and perform best between 70°F to 85°F. They can survive short periods of colder weather, down to about 0°F, but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures. Ideal growing conditions include warm days followed by cooler nights, within the temperature range mentioned.
PruningPrune blackberry 'Reuben' to encourage healthy growth and improve fruit production. Remove dead or damaged canes anytime during the year. In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, prune the canes that bore fruit the previous season as blackberries fruit on second-year wood. Additionally, trimming the tips of canes in summer can encourage branching and more berries. Prune as needed to maintain plant size and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlackberry 'Reuben' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix containing loam, peat, and compost in equal parts is ideal, ensuring good drainage and nutrients. Mulching helps maintain moisture and soil structure.
RepottingBlackberries, including 'Reuben', typically don't need frequent repotting if planted outdoors. In pots, repotting every 2-3 years keeps the soil nutrient-rich and allows for root growth.
Humidity & MistingBlackberry 'Reuben' is adaptable and will do well in average outdoor humidity levels. Excessive humidity is not required, just ensure adequate watering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in large containers with support, ample light.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, support canes, mulch, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe blackberry 'Reuben' begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in favorable conditions - usually in spring - to grow into a seedling. It quickly develops into a juvenile plant, sending out canes that can grow several meters in a single season. In the following year, these canes become floricanes and produce clusters of white to pale pink flowers which, after pollination, develop into the aggregate fruit familiar as blackberries. The plant fruits typically in late summer to early autumn, after which the floricanes that bore fruit die back. The plant then enters a period of dormancy through the winter. In perpetuity, new canes, called primocanes, grow each year, allowing the 'Reuben' blackberry to spread and continue its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
The most popular method of propagation for the blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Reuben' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is typically performed in late summer when the new growth has matured and begun to harden. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and include several leaf nodes. After cutting, lower leaves are removed and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a potting mix with good drainage and kept moist. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cuttings, often by using a plastic cover, until roots have established, at which point they can be gradually accustomed to outside conditions.
