Rubus parvus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus parvus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. 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): 0.2
Where it is found
Lowland forest and river flats between latitudes 41 and 44°south, west of divide in South Island.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweet flavour. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter. Sap.
Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. A first rate ground cover plant for a sheltered position.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants are not reliably hardy in Britain and are damaged by prolonged frosts, but they can succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country. 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.
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; Ground Cover;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist