Rubus gulosus (Rubus gulosus)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Rubus gulosus Plant Care

Rubus gulosus L.H.Bailey

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its deeply lobed leaves that are a vibrant shade of green, Rubus gulosus is a visually striking plant native to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and the challenge of growing this species outside of its natural habitat.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍎Fruit & Berries
Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Rubus gulosus?

Plant Rubus gulosus in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Rubus gulosus Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Rubus gulosus?

Rubus gulosus (Rubus gulosus) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Rubus genus. Rubus gulosus is native to the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Rubus gulosus?

Water a young or newly planted Rubus gulosus 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 3–5 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Rubus gulosus Need?

Rubus gulosus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rubus gulosus Prefer?

Rubus gulosus tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Rubus gulosus prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rubus gulosus?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Rubus gulosus?

Feed Rubus gulosus 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Rubus gulosus?

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.

Rubus gulosus 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Rubus gulosus?

Rubus gulosus 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.

How Do You Prune a Rubus gulosus?

Prune Rubus gulosus 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.

How Do You Care for a Rubus gulosus in Winter?

Rubus gulosus 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.

How Do You Propagate a Rubus gulosus?

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

Is the Rubus gulosus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Rubus gulosus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rubus gulosus?

Rubus gulosus 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rubus gulosus Need?

Rubus gulosus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Rubus gulosus is native to the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. In cooler regions, grow Rubus gulosus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Rubus gulosus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Rubus genus — compare its care with other Rubus species on PlantoScan.

Rubus is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.

Rubus gulosus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Rubus Species

Other Rubus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Rubus gulosus L.H.Bailey, family Rosaceae (first published in Gentes Herbarum 5: 172 (1941)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rubus gulosus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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