Chinese Bramble

Rubus tricolor is perhaps one of the most effective and vigorous ground-cover plants for difficult, shady areas of the garden where little else will grow. This evergreen, prostrate shrub produces long, arching red stems covered in distinctive soft, reddish bristles rather than sharp thorns. The leaves are a glossy, dark green with a felted white underside, providing a lush textural carpet throughout the year. While it does produce small white flowers in summer followed by edible, raspberry-like red fruits, its primary value is its ability to cover large areas of ground rapidly, even under the dense canopy of trees. It is virtually maintenance-free and exceptionally hardy (H5). Because of its vigorous nature, it is best suited to larger gardens or wilder areas where it can be allowed to roam. It is highly effective at stabilizing banks and suppressing even the most persistent weeds. It tolerates almost any soil type as long as it is not waterlogged.

Sun: Full shade to partial shade.

Soil: Any moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.