Ornamental Bramble

A recently discovered plant from the eastern Himalayas, Rubus calophyllus is a medium-sized, suckering, semi-evergreen shrub named for its beautiful leaves. These are ovate and pleated, up to a foot/30cm long, deep green above and silvery-white beneath, with serrated edges. The arching stems are whitish, with small, recurved, prickles. Deep wine-red flowers, /1.5cm across, are borne in May and June, and are followed by red berries.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile, well-drained but moist, acid to neutral soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Early summer and autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 5 (1.5m) Spread: 5 (1.5m)