Great Britain Blackberry: A Lesser-Known Rubus for Adventurous Gardeners
If you’ve stumbled across the name Great Britain blackberry in your gardening research, you’ve discovered one of the more obscure members of the Rubus family. Scientifically known as Rubus thyrsoides, this perennial shrub represents an interesting piece of botanical history, though it might not be the easiest plant to track down for your garden.
What Makes This Blackberry Different?
Great Britain blackberry is notably compact compared to its more aggressive relatives. This low-growing shrub typically stays under 1.5 feet tall and rarely exceeds 3 feet at maturity, making it quite different from the towering, sprawling blackberry canes that many gardeners know (and sometimes curse). Its modest stature could make it an intriguing option for gardeners dealing with space constraints.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
Despite its common name suggesting British origins, Rubus thyrsoides has established itself in select areas of the United States. You’ll find this blackberry growing in Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This scattered distribution pattern is quite interesting and suggests the plant has specific environmental preferences.
The Non-Native Question
Here’s where things get a bit complex for native plant enthusiasts. Great Britain blackberry is classified as a non-native species that has naturalized in these four states. It reproduces on its own in the wild and has established persistent populations without human intervention. While it’s not currently listed as invasive, this is something to keep in mind when making planting decisions.
Should You Grow It?
The honest answer? It’s complicated. Here are the key considerations:
- Limited availability makes it difficult to source
- Lack of detailed growing information creates uncertainty
- Non-native status may conflict with native gardening goals
- Compact size could be appealing for small spaces
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of compact, native berry-producing shrubs, consider these alternatives that are native to various regions:
- Native elderberry species (Sambucus canadensis)
- Native gooseberries and currants (Ribes species)
- Native blueberries (Vaccinium species)
- Regional native Rubus species like dewberries
If You’re Determined to Try It
Should you manage to locate Rubus thyrsoides, treat it like you would other blackberry relatives. Most Rubus species prefer:
- Well-draining soil with good organic content
- Full sun to partial shade
- Regular watering during establishment
- Annual pruning to maintain shape and health
Keep in mind that without specific growing information for this particular species, you’ll be experimenting somewhat with care requirements.
The Bottom Line
Great Britain blackberry remains something of a botanical mystery in the gardening world. Its limited distribution, non-native status, and scarcity of detailed growing information make it more of a curiosity than a reliable garden recommendation. For most gardeners, exploring native berry-producing shrubs will provide better results with more predictable outcomes and greater ecological benefits.
If you do encounter this plant in the wild in Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont, take a moment to appreciate its compact form—it’s quite different from the sprawling blackberry tangles you might expect!
