Rubus biflorus

Rubus biflorus is a shrub in the rose family. It sheds its leaves each year. People call it Himalayan raspberry or two-flowered raspberry. Its native range starts in northeastern Pakistan. It runs to central China and northern Myanmar. It grows in scrub, woods, and at forest edges. It also grows on open slopes, by rivers, and along roads.

Its canes grow upright but can climb with support. Missouri Botanical Garden lists a garden height of 3–6 feet [0.9–1.83 metres]. It gives a spread of 6 feet [1.83 metres]. RHS gives greater height and spread: up to 13 feet [4 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden says canes can reach 12 feet [3.66 metres]. They need support and no pruning to reach that height. The stems bear prickles and spread by suckers, or new shoots. A white wax coat covers the first-year canes. They stand out in winter once the leaves fall. Each dark green leaf has three to five leaflets. The pale leaf undersides contrast with the dark tops.

Small groups of white, scented flowers grow at cane tips. Missouri Botanical Garden gives May as the bloom time. RHS says the shrub blooms in summer. The flowers give way to yellow raspberries. Each fruit is about three-quarters of an inch across. They taste sweet; you can eat them raw or cooked. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not prove that every use is safe. The shrub draws birds and butterflies to the garden.

Grow it in rich soil that drains well. Full sun suits it; RHS also allows part shade. It grows in sand, loam, clay, and chalk. The soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Plants For A Future says settled plants withstand some drought. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 5–9. RHS gives it a UK rating of H6. Prune after bloom or fruit to keep flowers and fruit. Prune in late winter for fresh stems and leaves instead. If you cut all canes to ground then, you lose flowers and fruit.

Use it in shrub borders, wildlife gardens, or less formal beds. Dark evergreens form a good backdrop for the white canes. Keep suckers in check, or they can become a nuisance. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. RHS also notes few pest problems, but grey mould may occur. Honey fungus may occur too, though RHS calls it rare. Take softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.