Rubus tricolor

Rubus tricolor, also known as Tricolor Bramble or Trailing Bramble, is a spreading ground cover plant. Its dark green evergreen foliage bears a downy white underside. Flowering occurs in July-August, in the form of pretty small white flowers. The shoots are devoid of thorns and have reddish hairs. In September, it produces edible berries.

The Tricolor Bramble belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to northwestern Europe and southwestern China. An adult plant will reach a height of 60 cm (24 in) and have a spread of 4 m (13.1 ft).

Rubus tricolor naturally has a prostrate spreading habit. Its growth is running and vigorous, allowing it to cover large areas. Its leaves are single, glossy green, and measure 10 cm (3.9 in) wide. The underside is white and has hairs on the veins. The flowers, with a diameter of 2 cm (0.8 in), are white. The inflorescence of this bramble is a short spike. Flowering occurs in July-August, followed by edible fruits, which are few and reddish-orange in colour.

Plant in any humus-bearing, slightly acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline, moist but well-drained soil. This bush thrives in partial shade or non-burning sunlight. It has suckering roots and naturally forms suckers. Pruning is not necessary, and the plant requires no special maintenance.

Rubus tricolor naturally finds its use as a ground cover plant. In woodland areas, it will decorate a wild corner. Excellent for covering a slope and ensuring stability, it can be planted with Pachysandra terminalis, Lonicera nitida 'Maigrun', carpets of greater periwinkle (Vinca major), or Nandina domestica. All of these are vigorous plants that are also undemanding.