Rubus parvus
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −6.7 °C
Cultivation
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants are not reliably hardy in Britain. Closely related to R. australis. The stems are thornless when they are mature. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed is required. 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. Sap.
Material uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. A first rate ground cover plant for a sheltered position.
Habitat
Lowland forest and river flats between latitudes 41 and 44°south, west of divide in South Island.
Native range
New Zealand.