Rubus fruticosus Black Cascade - Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus 'Black Cascade' is a robust and hardy plant, both ornamental and fruit-bearing. This dwarf variety, with trailing branches and thornless stems, offers a harvest of black and juicy blackberries weighing up to 1.3kg. Its short and weeping stems are thornless and adorned with white flowers in June-July. Harvest the blackberries from mid-August until October. The fruits are a delight to enjoy fresh or in coulis, jellies, jams, pies, and fruit salads. Well-drained soil rich in humus and nutrients and a sunny to shady location are the optimal conditions for good fruiting. Planting is recommended in autumn or spring for regions with cold or humid winters.

Rubus belongs to the Rosaceae family, and is native to the mountains of the Caucasus in Asia Minor. This genus has diversified over time and has given rise to several subgenera, including the raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and the common blackberry (Rubus fruticosus). This latter genus includes numerous subspecies, the differences of which relate to the size, colour and acidity of the fruit. In Europe and America, this berry has been consumed for about 2000 years. Rubus fruticosus is more commonly known as the bramble or wild blackberry. It is a woody liana that can reach a width of 5m (16ft) or more, with stems usually equipped with thorns. It is present in many temperate regions of the world, where it is often considered an invasive plant.

The variety ‘Black Cascade’, also known as ‘Coolaris® Cascata® Black’, is a recent creation that is part of the Coolaris® range, alongside other varieties of Rubus fruticosus, such as 'Patio Black' and 'Early (Navaho®)'. This range consists of bramble varieties selected for their abundant flowering, delicious fruit production, and compact, thornless growth. It forms a ramified perennial plant with a semi-shrubby and bushy habit, with trailing branches. The branches reach a length of 0.5m (2ft), and the stump can occupy 0.5 to 0.8m (2 to 3ft) on the ground. The foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn. It is bright green in colour, composed of small, serrated leaves with visible veins, very similar to raspberry leaves. The stems are thornless. Fruiting occurs on the current year's branches, so it is important to renew them each year by pruning the plant to 15cm (6in) above the ground. From the first year, from June to July, the abundant and melliferous flowering displays numerous small white flowers, single in shape, measuring 1 to 2cm (1in) in diameter, grouped in clusters. The resulting fruits are composed of drupes clustered on the receptacle. They are large, much bigger than those of wild blackberries, turning red and then black and shiny when ripe. They should be picked when fully black, as they are sweet and tangy, juicy and delicious.

Harvesting of blackberries begins from mid-August and continues until October, offering the advantage of staggered harvesting. Blackberries are delicate fruits that need to be carefully picked, and they can be lightly washed with water and stored better in the refrigerator. Harvesting is easy, and it is very enjoyable to either enjoy the fruits on-site or pick them for various culinary uses: jellies, jams, sorbets, coulis, syrups, juices, tiramisu, crumble, puddings... not to mention the famous blackberry pie! Low in calories but rich in minerals (manganese, iron, potassium), vitamin C and K, fibre, and antioxidants, blackberries contribute to a balanced diet.

Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F), easy to grow, 'Black Cascade' is content with ordinary soil, preferably fertile, well-drained, and moist, without excessive limestone. This low-height variety is perfect for balconies and patios and can easily be grown in a pot, especially in a hanging basket, where it will reveal all its charms. It is thornless, making harvesting easier. Once established, it will quickly become a magnificent ornamental plant for your garden. In the ground, it can be planted with other fruit trees to create a small edible hedge: May berry (Lonicera kamchatka), raspberries, blueberries, garden blackberries, redcurrants, or blackcurrants. These plants are vigorous and undemanding, making them perfectly suited for a natural garden.