Rubus salteri

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. 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

Endemic to England, growing in woods and on downs in Hereford (Winforton wood) and the Isle of Wight (south-east corner of the island).

Native range

Britain.

Same genus