White-Stemmed Bramble Rubus cockburnianus 'Goldenvale'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the 'Goldenvale' is a striking ornamental variety notable for its arching stems that are covered in a distinctive white bloom, creating a rather frosted appearance. During the winter months, when the plant loses its foliage, this characteristic is particularly prominent, lending a ghostly and unique texture to the landscape. The stems offer a stunning contrast with the plant's leaves, which are pinnate and colored in a vibrant green with a hint of gold, true to its 'Goldenvale' name. In the springtime, the plant is adorned with small flowers that exhibit a soft white hue, adding a delicate touch of elegance amidst the more robust features of its form. As the seasons progress into late summer, these blooms give way to small, round fruits that are usually a deep purple to black in color, an attribute that birds and other wildlife find highly attractive. The vivid colors of the leaves and the peculiar white-bloomed stems give the 'Goldenvale' a remarkable dual-toned appearance, making it a highly sought-after feature for gardeners aiming to create a varied and textured garden design. It has a wild, yet distinctly ornate aspect that catches the eye regardless of the season, ensuring year-round interest in any setting where it is present.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
White-Stemmed Bramble, Thornless Bramble, Golden Vale Bramble
Common names
Rubus cockburnianus 'Goldenvale'.
ToxicityTo humans
White-stemmed bramble is not generally considered toxic to humans. There is no widely available information suggesting that it causes poisoning upon ingestion. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions are possible and caution is always advised when dealing with unfamiliar plant species.
To pets
White-stemmed bramble is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed amongst commonly known poisonous plants for animals such as dogs and cats. As with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities, and it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet [1.8 meters]
Spread
4 feet [1.2 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Rubus cockburnianus 'Goldenvale', commonly known as the white-stemmed bramble, adds visual interest to gardens with its striking golden-yellow foliage.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant provides year-round interest with its changing foliage color through the seasons, flowering in summer and berries in autumn.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It offers food in the form of berries and shelter for various wildlife species, including birds and insects.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier gardens or those with less frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once it is established, making it a convenient option for gardeners of all levels.
- Soil Versatility: This plant can thrive in a range of soil types, including clay and loam, provided the soil is well-drained.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in temperate regions with harsh winters.
- Privacy and Screening: With its dense growth habit, it can be used as a privacy screen or to hide unsightly areas in the landscape.
- Naturalization: It can spread and create a natural, wild look in the garden, which can be desirable for creating wildlife-friendly or informal spaces.
- Thornless Varieties: Cultivars such as 'Goldenvale' are often bred to be thornless, making them easier and safer to handle during planting and maintenance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Shelter: The dense thicket-like growth of the White Stem Bramble provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.
- Erosion Control: Its vigorous growth habit and strong root system can help stabilize soil in sloped gardens or areas prone to erosion.
- Winter Interest: The striking white stems of the White Stem Bramble add visual interest to the garden during the bleak winter months.
- Landscape Contrast: Use this plant for creating contrast against dark foliage or to brighten shaded areas in the landscape.
- Living Fence: Can be utilized to form a robust and visually appealing living fence or boundary.
- Privacy Screening: Its dense foliage and growth habit make White Stem Bramble suitable for use as a privacy screen in gardens and yards.
- Educational Use: Can be included in educational gardens or botanical collections to demonstrate plant adaptation, like its unique stem coloration.
- Craft Material: The distinctive stems can be used in floral arrangements and decorative crafts, especially during winter.
- Habitat Restoration: White Stem Bramble can be utilized in native planting schemes to help restore a balance to ecosystems where it’s naturally found.
- Photographic Subject: With its unique features, amateur and professional photographers often use the plant as a subject for nature photography, especially highlighting its stem contrast in the snow.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White-stemmed Bramble is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White-stemmed Bramble is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hardiness: Rubus cockburnianus 'Goldenvale', commonly known as the White-Stemmed Bramble or Goldenvein Bramble, demonstrates resilience and adaptability, representing the ability of a person to withstand challenging conditions due to its robust nature in various environments.
- Protection: The plant's thorny branches are reminiscent of barriers and thus symbolize protection, safeguarding, and a natural defense against external threats.
- Invasive Growth: Reflecting its potential for rapid spread and dominance in an area, the Goldenvein Bramble can symbolize an overwhelming or uncontainable aspect of life, be it positive, like love or passion, or negative, such as conflict or adversity.
- Healing: Traditionally, members of the genus Rubus, which includes brambles, raspberries, and blackberries, have been used in medicine. Therefore, the Goldenvein Bramble might symbolize healing and the use of natural remedies.
WaterThe White Stem Bramble requires regular watering during the growing season, generally once a week. It is important to check the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time to water. Provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to encourage strong root growth. During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering to every two weeks or less, depending on the soil moisture. Always avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe White Stem Bramble thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureThe White Stem Bramble can withstand a range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. The ideal temperature for growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme heat above 95 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental.
PruningPrune the White Stem Bramble in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased canes and to shape the plant. Pruning encourages new growth, increases fruit production, and improves air circulation. Prune about once a year, cutting back canes that have fruited to ground level and thinning crowded areas.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWhite Stem Bramble 'Goldenvale' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sand is ideal, ensuring good drainage while retaining adequate moisture.
RepottingWhite Stem Bramble 'Goldenvale' should be repotted every 2-3 years in the spring to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting frequency may vary with growth rate.
Humidity & MistingWhite Stem Bramble 'Goldenvale' is adaptable but prefers moderate humidity levels, avoiding environments that are too dry or excessively humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil for indoor White Stem Bramble.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/part-shade, fertile soil, and protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleRubus cockburnianus 'Goldenvale', commonly known as White-Stemmed Bramble or Thornless Bramble, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring, given adequate moisture and temperature conditions. After germination, the seedling grows into a small plant, developing its distinctive leaves and white, thornless stems through photosynthesis. As the plant matures, typically in its second year, it produces small white to pale pink flowers during the summer months. Following pollination, these flowers give way to small, dark fruits, which are typically not as noticeable or as palatable as other Rubus fruits. After fruiting, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter, where it undergoes rest and reduced metabolic activity. The bramble's life cycle continues year after year with new growth replacing old canes that eventually die back, and it can also spread vegetatively through its root system, creating a dense thicket if left unmanaged.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: The most popular way to propagate Rubus cockburnianus 'Goldenvale', commonly known as the Golden Vale Bramble, is by using softwood cuttings. This method is usually undertaken during late spring or early summer when new growth is vibrant and flexible. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) in length and taken just below a leaf node, with the lower leaves removed. It is beneficial to dip the cut end into a rooting hormone before planting the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. To create a humid environment that encourages rooting, cover the pot with a plastic bag or a plastic dome, making sure it doesn't touch the foliage. Place the pot in indirect sunlight and ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to ambient conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.
