Rubus thibetanus
(Ghost Bramble)
Family - Rosaceae
Category - Shrub
Origin - Western China
Discovered By - Ernest Wilson, plant hunter
Year of Introduction - 1904
Season of Interest - Summer, Winter
Hardiness - H6
Height - 2m
Width - 2m
Location - The Terrace, The White Garden
Description: A medium-sized, Deciduous Shrub with an upright habit. The stems are very prickly and covered in a silvery-white waxy Bloom. Pinnate leaves have silvery-green, ovate to oval leaflets that are covered in white felt on the undersides. Rubus thibetanus is mostly grown for the attractive stems displayed in winter and foliage through the summer, but it does produce small, purple-pink, saucer-shaped flowers. The flowers are produced from early to midsummer and are followed by small, nearly black berries that are not edible. The Blooms are produced on the previous year's growth which is not as attractively coloured as the new growth. Removing the older canes will produce a more attractive Shrub, but will also sacrifice the flowers and berries.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Synonym- Rubus thibetanus 'Silver Fern'
Flower:
Small, purple-pink flowers are saucer-shaped and held in panicles. The flowers are produced in June and July and are followed by small, nearly black berries that are not edible.
Flower colour: Pink, purple
Flower shape: Saucer-shaped flowers in panicles
Flowering time: June, July
Foliage:
Grey-green, pinnate leaves have ovate to oval leaflets with Dentate margins and white felt on the undersides. The leaves have a crinkled texture and are Alternately arranged on prickly, silvery-white stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Pinnate with ovate to oval leaflets
Propagation:
Cuttings.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in moisture retentive but well drained soil.