Rubus caesius aka European Dewberry

Taxonomy

Rubus caesius, also known as the European dewberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the rose family and is closely related to the blackberry. This Eurasian plant is widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia, ranging from Ireland and Portugal to Xinjiang Province in western China. It has also become naturalized in scattered locations in Argentina, Canada, and the United States. The plant grows up to 2 meters tall with biennial stems that die after fruiting in their second year. It sends out long runners that root at the tip to form new plants. The stems are bluish-grey and sometimes prickly, while the alternate leaves are hairy above and below. The plant is hermaphrodite and is pollinated by bees, flies, beetles, and apomictic. The inflorescence is a loose cluster of several white flowers that bloom from June to September. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in semi-shade or no shade. It can tolerate different soil pH levels, including alkaline soil. The dewberry is a useful plant and is sometimes confused with forms of Rubus fruticosus. As a houseplant, dewberry needs regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It also prefers well-draining soil and doesn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

European Dewberry, Dewberry

How to care for European Dewberry

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for European Dewberry due to its easy-going nature.

Water

European Dewberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

European Dewberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the European Dewberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the European Dewberry is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

European Dewberry’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Siberia and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia