Rubus 'Black Satin'
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.