Blackberry (bramble) 'Thornless Evergreen' (Rubus fruticosus) – hardy soft fruit – 15 cm pot – 50 cm tall – Pack of 2

Yes, Rubus fruticosus 'Thornless Evergreen' is specifically selected for its completely unarmed stems, meaning they are free from thorns from the base to the tips. This makes pruning, tying, and harvesting much more pleasant than with conventional brambles. There is no need to wear thick gloves to handle the stems. This is one of the major advantages of this cultivar, which is particularly appreciated in family gardens and spaces where children play.

The berries of the Thornless Evergreen Blackberry ripen from late August to'early October depending on the climate and'exposure. The sure sign of ripeness is the color: the berries should be uniformly shiny black and detach effortlessly with the mere pressure of the fingers. It is advisable to harvest every two or three days because the blackberries ripen gradually on the clusters. The harvested berries keep for two to three days in the refrigerator, or freeze perfectly for use throughout the'winter.

The Thornless Evergreen Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus 'Thornless Evergreen') produces its best results in full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A south or southwest exposure, ideally against a fence or wall that retains heat, promotes abundant fruit production and particularly sweet berries. Light partial shade is tolerated, but the harvest will be less generous and the blackberries less sweet. In any case, avoid very shaded locations where the plant will languish and produce little.

To create a fruit hedge with the Thornless Evergreen Mulberry, space the plants 1.50 to 2 metres apart along a'wire fence,'a fence or a'securely fixed trellis. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and incorporate well-rotted compost to enrich the soil. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, water thoroughly, then secure the first stems to the support immediately after planting. The rapid growth of this bramble allows'you to obtain a dense and productive hedge from the second year. This type of hedge also provides valuable habitat for beneficial garden wildlife.

Yes, the Thornless Evergreen Mulberry grows very well in a pot, provided you choose a container of'at least 30 to 40 litres to give it enough room to develop its roots and produce properly. Use a substrate mixed with multi-purpose compost and compost, and place the pot in the'sunniest spot on your terrace. It will need to be watered more regularly than'when planted in the ground, as pots dry out more quickly. A trellis or stake attached to the wall allows the stems to climb and'pleasantly cover the wall or railing.

The Thornless Evergreen Mulberry is fully hardy and easily withstands the usual winter temperatures in France, even in regions with severe winters. When planted in the ground, no protection i's needed: the stems may freeze superficially without causing lasting damage to the plant. In a pot, a thick layer of mulch on top of the growing medium effectively protects the roots during periods of intense frost. Vegetative growth is generally very vigorous in spring after the 'winter.

The berries of the Thornless Evergreen blackberry are excellent when eaten fresh, picked directly from the plant: they are juicy, sweet-tart and particularly rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. They are also suitable for all kinds of culinary preparations: jams, jellies, coulis, tarts, crumbles, smoothies or even homemade syrups. Their pronounced aroma is often considered superior to that of commercially available blackberries, which are harvested before they are fully ripe. The fruit freezes very well, spread out on a tray before 'being put in a bag, which allows you to enjoy it all 'through the 'winter.