Elm-leaf blackberry Plant Care

Elm-leaf blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rubus genus. Elm-leaf blackberry is native to Europe and North Africa, and has also become naturalized in parts of the United States, Australia, and southern South America. Elm-leaf blackberry is also known as elmleaf bramble.

Elm-leaf blackberry displays a spreading, thicket-forming shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Elm-leaf blackberry produces white or pink five-petaled flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Elm-leaf blackberry every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Elm-leaf blackberry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rubus ulmifolius tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Elm-leaf blackberry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Elm-leaf blackberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Elm-leaf blackberry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Elm-leaf blackberry is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Elm-leaf blackberry can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Elm-leaf blackberry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Elm-leaf blackberry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Elm-leaf blackberry can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to black raspberry plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Elm-leaf blackberry is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, raspberry fruitworm. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Elm-leaf blackberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Elm-leaf blackberry is native to Europe and North Africa, and has also become naturalized in parts of the United States, Australia, and southern South America. In cooler regions, grow Elm-leaf blackberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.