Rubus ursinus x. idaeus

Common Name:
Boysenberry

Description:
The boysenberry is a rich, complex hybrid berry in the Rubus genus, created by crossing the European raspberry (Rubus idaeus), European blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), American dewberry, and loganberry. It grows as a sprawling, deciduous bramble with canes that may be thorny or thornless depending on the variety. Expect vigorous growth with long trailing canes that benefit from trellising or arch support. In spring, it bursts into delicate white, five-petalled flowers, drawing in pollinators such as bees and butterflies. By mid- to late summer, these give way to large, deep maroon to nearly black aggregate fruits—soft, juicy, sweet-tart, and bursting with juice. Due to their tender skins, the berries have a short shelf life, making them ideal for fresh eating, jams, pies, desserts, sauces or juices. Growing best in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, boysenberries thrive in full sun to part shade and are hardy under Melbourne conditions, suited to temperate coastal climates. After fruiting, the floricane canes die back and should be pruned to encourage new growth the following season.

Form:

• Shrub – Medium

• Climber

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.5–2.5 m

• Width (spread): 1.5–2 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• White

• Cream

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant (fairly hardy, though fungal susceptibility possible)

• Scented flowers (mildly fragrant)

• Edible Fruit

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging (with support)

• Suitable for Espalier (training over wire/arch)

• Thornless option available

• Historical heirloom hybrid

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals

Companion Plants:

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Herbs like mint and oregano (to deter pests)

• Native flowering perennials (to attract pollinators)