Rubus 'Black Satin'
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; aim for 6 hours of sun while protecting plants from reflected heat and hot west-facing exposures.
Water: Water deeply and regularly, keeping the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged. Increase irrigation during fruit development and extreme summer heat; do not allow prolonged drying.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost; prefers slightly acidic soil, approximately pH 5.5–6.5. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require amendments or a raised bed with suitable soil.
Mature size: Approximately 5–8 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide when trained; vigorous canes may reach 10–15 feet long.
Bloom: Typically flowers in spring on second-year canes, followed by summer fruit. Timing and yield depend on winter chilling and local heat conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous; may retain some foliage during mild winters.
Growth rate: Fast with adequate moisture and nutrition.