Rubus henryi
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus henryi is an evergreen Climber growing to 6 m (19ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Slopes, valleys, mountainous areas, forests and thickets at elevations to 2500 metres in Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan and Sichuan Provinces, China.
E. Asia - C. and W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. A very sweet flavour. The black fruit is 13 - 15mm in diameter. The young leaves are used to make tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade, preferring light shade. Requires a fertile humus-rich soil. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates some alkalinity so long as the soil does not become dry. Hardy to about -14°c. A scrambling climbing plant, supporting itself by means of hooked prickles. The plant is moderately fast-growing and can become invasive when in good conditions. Plants are very vigorous. The plant has biennial stems produced from a perennial rootstock. These stems flower and fruit in their second year and then die. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist