Rubus tricolor Betty Ashburner

Rubus tricolor 'Betty Ashburner' is an ornamental bramble that grows as a bright green ground cover, with  evergreen foliage. Vigorous and relatively fast-growing, this plant can cover large areas without requiring maintenance. The summer flowering is white and quite discreet, followed by a light orange fruiting in September.

The 'Betty Ashburner' ground cover bramble belongs to the family  Rosaceae. It is a hybrid between Rubus tricolor, native to northwestern Europe, and Rubus rolfei or calycinoides, native to the mountains of Taiwan. It is still relatively unknown in our region. A plant will reach a height of 30 to 60cm (11.8 - 23.6in), with a spread of 1 to 3m (3 - 10ft). The upright then trailing stems are covered in  red bristles, adding a touch of colour to the overall appearance. Its heart-shaped leaves with undulating edges are a beautiful glossy dark green, sometimes tinged with purple and nicely bluish on the underside. In July-August, clusters of white flowers appear in the axils of the leaves. In September, a few decorative orange berries can be obtained.

Plant the 'Betty Ashburner' ornamental bramble in any humus-rich soil, slightly acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline, dry or moist but well-drained, as the plant is sensitive to excessive humidity. This bush will thrive in partial shade or full sun, but in a non-burning exposure. This bramble has a suckering rootstock, can naturally layer, but it is  less invasive than its parent Rubus tricolor. Pruning is not necessary, as the plant requires  no particular maintenance.

Use 'Betty Ashburner' bramble as a ground cover, it will decorate a wild corner. It can even form carpets on large terrace planters. Excellent for covering a slope and ensuring its stability, it can be combined with carpets of periwinkle, Polygonum, creeping bugles, or Stachys byzantina, all of which are vigorous plants that are also undemanding.