Rubus × barkeri

A dense, evergreen, creeping perennial growing to around 0.1m tall and 2m+ wide.

Leaves are long, pointed and lance-shaped with serrated edges and a line of spines along the underside of the midrib and yellow-green in colour. In winter, the leaves turn almost burgundy in colour. As this plant is a sterile hybrid, you will never get flowers or fruit on it.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants. Planting after autumn rains when the soil is moist and warm allows plants to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Before planting, ensure that the root-ball is saturated and remove planter bag pot or wrapping with the minimum of root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. 

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Pruning will only be required if the plant outgrows its space then it can be carefully trimmed back.

Urban Trees