Rubus squarrosus
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. A large climbing plant in its native range but it is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country where it makes a small shrub. A plant is growing outdoors in a sheltered position in light woodland at Cambridge Botanical Gardens, it has survived at least one cold winter outdoors there[K]. This species is closely related to R. cissoides. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed is required. Fruit is seldom formed in Britain. 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 - raw or cooked.
Material uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Habitat
Forests in lowland to montane areas throughout New Zealand.
Native range
New Zealand.