Benenden Blackberry Rubus 'Benenden'
ABOUT
Rubus 'Benenden', commonly known as a variety of bramble or blackberry, presents a set of distinctive traits in its appearance. Characteristic of this type of plant, 'Benenden' boasts sprawling stems which may possess sharp thorns, serving as a defense mechanism and aiding the plant in climbing. The foliage tends to be lush and green with leaves commonly composed of multiple leaflets that have a toothed edge, giving them a rough texture to the touch. During the blooming season, 'Benenden' produces flowers that are often white or pink in color, with numerous petals that radiate around a core of smaller, more delicate reproductive structures. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also serve to attract a multitude of pollinators to the plant. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to the fruit for which blackberries are known. These fruits typically start out as a hard, green form, turning red and eventually reaching a deep purple or black hue when fully ripe. The ripe fruits offer a juicy, sweet-tart flavor which is commonly sought after for both culinary and raw consumption. The overall aesthetic of 'Benenden' is one of rustic charm imbued with the potential for plentiful harvest, making it both a practical and attractive choice for gardeners looking to add both ornamentation and produce to their planting endeavors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Benenden Blackberry
Common names
Rubus 'Benenden'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Rubus 'Benenden' is a member of the genus that includes blackberry, and it is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. In general, blackberries are edible and safe for human consumption when ripe. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity from consuming this plant in humans. However, always exercise caution and make sure to properly identify the plant before consumption, as unripe berries or parts of the plant other than the fruit could potentially cause digestive upset.
To pets
The Rubus 'Benenden', commonly known as blackberry, is not typically toxic to pets. This plant is considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. The ripe berries are generally safe for pets to eat in moderation. However, it is always a good idea to introduce any new food to your pet gradually and in small amounts to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset. If your pet does consume a large volume of blackberries or any other part of the plant, monitor for any signs of digestive discomfort, and consult your veterinarian if any adverse reactions occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Rubus 'Benenden', commonly known as blackberry, has attractive foliage and can be used to enhance garden aesthetics.
- Fruit Production: It produces edible fruits that can be consumed fresh or used in cooking and baking.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, while the fruits can provide food for birds.
- Habitat Creation: It can provide shelter and nesting sites for small wildlife in a garden setting.
- Soil Improvement: As a perennial plant, it can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Privacy and Screening: Its dense growth habit can be used to create natural privacy screens or living fences.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it typically requires minimal care, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is generally tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering once established.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Art: The plant's foliage can be used as a natural garnish for plating in upscale culinary presentations, adding an organic and rustic touch to dishes.
- Dye Production: Leaves and berries can be used for natural dye production to color textiles and craft materials with shades ranging from green to purple.
- Insect Repellent: The natural aroma of the leaves may act as a mild insect repellent, suitable for placing around outdoor seating areas to deter small pests.
- Landscape Design: Its aesthetic appeal can be utilized in landscape design, providing a textured ground cover with its foliage and berries adding visual interest.
- Photography Prop: The plant can serve as a beautiful photography prop, particularly in outdoor portrait photography, where it adds a touch of nature to the composition.
- Floristry: Flexible stems of Rubus 'Benenden' can be incorporated in floral arrangements for a wild, untamed look.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be studied for educational purposes in botany and horticulture classes, highlighting the growth patterns and characteristics of the Rubus genus.
- Craft Material: The sturdy canes can be harvested and used as natural materials in craft projects, such as making woven baskets or garden trellises.
- Wildlife Support: It serves as a habitat and food source for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Festive Decor: The plant can be used to create unique, natural decorations for festive occasions, like wreaths or table centerpieces.
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 Rubus 'Benenden', commonly known as Blackberry, has thorns on its brambles which are often seen as a symbol of protection, warding off negativity and evil.
- Abundance - Blackberries can produce an abundant crop, and so they are often associated with abundance and fertility.
- Healing - In folklore, blackberry leaves and fruit were used for their medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and health.
- Regeneration - As Blackberry plants can quickly take over and regrow from their roots, they can symbolize growth and regeneration.
WaterBlackberry 'Benenden' plants should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time, which translates to approximately 0.62 gallons for each plant. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency may increase to twice a week. It is crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; thus, use a drip irrigation system or water at the base of the plant. In winter, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture during its dormant period.
LightBlackberry 'Benenden' thrives best in full sunlight conditions, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be an open area free from shade or partial shadows from buildings or trees to ensure the plant receives adequate light throughout the day.
TemperatureBlackberry 'Benenden' plants are hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures, withstanding minimum temperatures of around 0°F. The ideal growing temperature for Blackberries lies between 75°F and 85°F. These plants can tolerate heat up to about 100°F but may require additional watering during such conditions.
PruningPruning Blackberry 'Benenden' is necessary to encourage healthy fruit production and maintain plant structure. Remove dead or damaged canes any time and thin the plants in late winter or early spring to allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy. After fruiting, prune out the canes that bore fruit to stimulate the growth of new fruiting canes for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlackberry 'Benenden' thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 7. A mix of loam, peat, and compost enhanced with organic matter or well-rotted manure will provide the rich conditions needed for optimal growth and fruit production.
RepottingBlackberry 'Benenden' is not commonly grown in containers and therefore does not require frequent repotting. If grown in a pot, it should be repotted when it has outgrown its current pot or every two to three years to refresh soil.
Humidity & MistingBlackberry 'Benenden' has no specific humidity requirements and will do well in the average outdoor humidity levels where it is typically grown. Avoiding overly humid conditions is important to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full light, cool temps, and room for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, water regularly, and provide support.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleRubus 'Benenden', commonly known as blackberry 'Benenden', begins its life when a seed germinates in the spring, often after stratification. The seedling grows into a vegetative plant with leaves and a root system throughout the first year. In the second year, the plant develops biennial canes: the primocanes grow and mature during the spring and summer, while the floricanes from the previous year bear fruit and then die after the season. Following the fruiting period, usually in late summer to early autumn, the plant's berries ripen and are dispersed by animals or drop near the parent plant to potentially germinate new seedlings. Blackberry 'Benenden' plants can also propagate asexually through root suckers or tip layering, where the tips of canes touch the ground and form roots, giving rise to new plants. The plant continues this cycle, with individual plants living for several years, though the canes are biennial in nature.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Rubus 'Benenden', commonly known as 'Benenden' blackberry, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, which is the most popular method. This process typically takes place during the late summer. To propagate, take cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long from semi-hardwood stems that have just begun to mature. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, the prepared cutting is planted in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The cutting should be kept in a warm environment with high humidity, either by placing a plastic bag over the pot or using a misting system. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which time the new 'Benenden' blackberry plants can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
