The short answer

Quick Answer

Blackberry thrives in partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 5.5-7.5), well-drained soil. Reaches 2 to 3m wide. train on wires or a trellis. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: After fruit harvest in August to September

How: Cut the fruited canes to ground level. Tie in the new canes for next year's crop

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe including the UK

Native or exotic: Native. Wild brambles are common in Chiltern hedgerows

History: Wild blackberries have been gathered for thousands of years. Thornless cultivated varieties were bred in the 20th century

Folklore: In English tradition, blackberries should not be picked after Old Michaelmas Day (11 October) because the devil has spat on them

Fun fact: Blackberries are not technically berries but aggregate fruits made of small drupelets

Historical medicinal uses: Blackberry leaves have been used in herbal medicine for diarrhoea and sore throats

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the flowers [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High. Native species, important for pollinators and birds[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 White flowers in May and June. Fruit August to September[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Grow with other soft fruits. Underplant with comfrey

Pest control: Net against birds. Watch for raspberry beetle

Common diseases and issues: Cane spot, purple blotch, honey fungus. See RHS blackberry page

Invasive note: Wild brambles are very vigorous. Thornless cultivated varieties are much better behaved

CGM care note

We always plant thornless varieties like Loch Ness for clients because picking is so much easier and the canes do not ramp across the garden. Train them on horizontal wires and cut the fruited canes out the moment you finish picking.

CGM guides mentioning Blackberry

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Blackberry and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Blackberry

How Blackberry fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Blackberry.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Blackberry are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Blackberry. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Rubus fruticosus. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Rosaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Carrasco-Rueda F, Hacket-Pain A (2018). Phenology and fruit production in Rosaceae species. Journal of Ecology, 106(4), 1568-1581.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Rosaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: seasonal_highlight, pollinators, biodiversity_value, feeding.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Blackberry. The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Native species, important for pollinators and birds") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "White flowers in May and June. Fruit August to September".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Blackberry's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Native species, important for pollinators and birds") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Blackberry. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Blackberry's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Rosaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Blackberry. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Blackberry. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Blackberry. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Blackberry. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Blackberry. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Blackberry. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Blackberry. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Blackberry performs well locally

Towns where Blackberry is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

View all areas we cover