Rubus thibetanus (Ghost bramble)

Botanical name

Rubus thibetanus

Other names

Ghost bramble, Rubus thibetanus 'Silver Fern'

Genus

Rubus Rubus

Species

R. thibetanus - R. thibetanus is a deciduous shrub grown for its arching, prickly stems that have a striking white bloom in winter. It has pinnate leaves and panicles of small purple flowers in summer that are followed by black inedible fruits.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Arching, Open stems

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Purple in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 7

Propagation methods

Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Rubus thibetanus (Ghost bramble) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Banks and Slopes, Flower Arranging

Cultivation

Plant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Striking plant for a winter garden.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Rubus thibetanus (Ghost bramble)

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Rubus thibetanus (Ghost bramble)

Common pest name

Apple root knot nematode

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne mali

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

UK (along with certain other European countries) received potentially infested trees in 1992; but these were destroyed at the end of the trial period and targeted surveillance has failed to find any trace of the nematode. Main impacts are on elm; apple and mulberry and industry should source such material carefully.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Rubus thibetanus (Ghost bramble)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/