Rubus 'Black Satin' Blackberry – Desert Horizon Nursery

Rubus ‘Black Satin’ Blackberry

Rubus 'Black Satin'
Categories:
Edibles  ·  
Herbs & Vegetables
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Water deeply and regularly, keeping the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged. Increase irrigation during fruit development and extreme heat; mulch to reduce evaporation.
Size
4-6 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A vigorous, thornless blackberry producing large, glossy black berries on second-year canes. Can grow in Phoenix, but intense summer heat and insufficient winter chilling can limit fruit production.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Deciduous
Special Features
Attracts Birds, Edible, Thornless, Thorny / Spiny
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Growth Habit
Mounded – spreading shrub
Mature Size
4-6 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Desert / Xeriscape, Edible / Orchard, Trellis / Arbor / Wall
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape, Edible Garden, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Chives, Cool-season calendula nearby, Garlic
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; avoid reflected heat from walls and paving.

Water: Water deeply and regularly, keeping the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged. Increase irrigation during fruit development and extreme heat; mulch to reduce evaporation.

Soil: Well-drained, compost-enriched soil; prefers a slightly acidic pH of approximately 5.5–6.5. Raised beds can help where native soil is highly alkaline or poorly drained.

Mature size: Approximately 5–8 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide with support; unpruned canes may reach 10–15 feet long.

Bloom: Spring flowers on overwintered, second-year canes, followed by summer berries when winter chilling is adequate.

Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous; may retain some foliage during mild winters.

Growth rate: Fast with adequate moisture and suitable temperatures.