Genus Rubus

Rubus calycinoides Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

ROO-bus

Rubus is a large genus of more than 250 species of mainly shrubs and climbers in the rose family. They are grown for their flowers, fruit, or colorful winter shoots. Flowers are saucer- or cup-shaped and pink, white, red, or purple. The berries of some species are edible. Stems are often prickly or thorny and, in some deciduous species, white or colorful in the winter months. Grow in a vegetable garden, in a border or wild area, or in a woodland garden.
Noteworthy characteristics: This genus includes blackberries and raspberries.
Care: Need well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Evergreen species can grow in sun or part shade, while deciduous species grown for their winter shoots should be sited in full sun. Pruning needs vary by species.
Propagation: Evergreens may be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by detaching rooted pieces of prostrate stems between fall and spring. Root cuttings of deciduous plants in summer, or hardwood cuttings in early winter.
Problems: Cane blight, canker, anthracnose, powdery mildew, rust, Botrytis, Vertilcillium wilt, fireblight. Possible pests include scale insects, leafhoppers, and caterpillars.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Rubus

Rubus pentalobus
(Creeping raspberry) (1 user review)

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This prostrate evergreen species produces a mass of richly textured leaves, making it an attractive groundcover for formal areas, rock gardens, or woodland beds. The leaves are thick, neatly rounded and formed, with bronzy undersides and autumn color that persists through the winter. In summer, it bears white flowers, which are sometimes followed by red fruits.

Rubus strigosus
(American red raspberry, Grayleaf red raspberry) Be the first to rate this plant

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This native species flowers in summer, producing edible fruits and leaves suitable for making tea. It naturalizes in thickets, and grows well in wild areas in full sun or dappled shade.

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