Rubus flagelliflorus
At a glance
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- Frost limit
- −17.8 °C
Cultivation
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants are not fully hardy in all parts of the country. A scrambling climbing plant, supporting itself by means of hooked prickles. Any pruning is best carried out in spring and consists of cutting out some of the old and dead growth from the base. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked.
Material uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Habitat
Waste places on hills, rock cliffs, slopes and valleys at elevations of 900--1500 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - C. and W. China.