Dewberry- Rubus caesius - €6 per plant 

Dewberry is low growing shrub native to Europe and found in the under-story of woodland. The plant, once established, spreads readily via rhizomes making it an ideal ground cover choice. The plant also provides a modest harvest of berries in late summer and the leaves can be used for tea.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Siberia and W. Asia.
  • native habitat: Hedgerows, amongst shrubs and in rough dry meadowland, usually on basic soils
  • family: Rosaceae

Predators

  • If grown in the open the berries are vulnerable to bird predation 
  • N.B We have had no problem with any pest or diseases with  our plants 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or  full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  •  USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
  • Prefers well drained soil 

Overview


  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 0.2 m  by 1m.
  • ​In flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, apomictic.
  • The plant is self-fertile.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  • Prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: prostrate deciduous shrub
  • layer : Ground Layer
  • habit: multi stemmed, suckering roots  
  • height x width (m): 0.2 x 1
  • years to bearing fruit: 2 year  
  • productive life span: 

Products 

  • Fruit: July - Sep. Eaten fresh and made into pies and jams
  • A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit
  • Leaves:  dried  leaves for tea making,
  • Understory ground cover 

Functions, behaviours

  • animal dispersed seed
  • leafs out in early spring 
  • drops leaves in late winter
  • produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock
  • stems fruit in their second year and then die
  • self pollinates
  • Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project