Rubus pentalobus

A dense, evergreen, fast creeping perennial growing to around 0.1m tall and 1m+ wide.

Leaves are rounded but with undulating edges, rough to touch, dark green above, paler beneath. Leaves turn purple-red in cooler temperatures. Small bell-shaped pale pink flowers are produced in spring, occasionally followed by orange raspberry-like fruit in summer. Unfortunately fruiting rarely occurs and the reason is unknown.

Will perform at its best in full sun with well-drained soil but will happily tolerate part shade and dry, hard soil or soil that fluctuates from dry to wet. Will also tolerate clay or sandy soil.

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. This plant is best grown where the root run can be restricted but the growth can grow wherever it wants.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Prune only to restrict growth as it is best planted where there is plenty of room to let it go. To encourage fruiting do not feed or prune, restrict root run and apply potash only.

Generally trouble-free.

Urban Trees

The fruit is especially high in ellagic acid, the cancer-fighting acid along with fibre-rich seeds, vitamin C and A, potassium, folate, calcium and iron.