Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus (agg.)
The image shows a young blackberry plant, characterized by its serrated, often lobed or compound leaves. The leaves are typically green, sometimes with a reddish tint on newer growth, and have prominent veins. As it matures, the plant will develop thorny canes and produce edible berries that turn from green to red, then to dark purple or black when ripe.
Learn more about Blackberry in the encyclopedia →Care instructions
Blackberries prefer full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Water regularly, especially during dry spells and fruit development, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Pruning is essential: remove old, fruited canes after harvest and thin new canes in late winter to encourage productivity. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Support with trellises or stakes as the plant grows to manage its sprawling habit.