Contents
Description
Rubus Phoenicolasius, commonly known as wineberry, is a deciduous flowering plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant is native to China, Japan, and Korea and has been introduced to other regions, including North America and Europe. Wineberry is a thorny shrub that can grow up to 3m tall and 2m wide. The plant produces edible fruit that is similar to raspberry but with a unique flavor.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rubus |
Appearance
The wineberry plant has reddish-brown stems with thorns that can grow up to 1cm long. The leaves are green on the upper surface and grayish-green on the lower surface. The leaves are palmately compound with five leaflets, and the edges are serrated. The flowers are pinkish-red and bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a red, raspberry-like aggregate fruit that is covered in fine hairs called trichomes.
Care Guide
Wineberry plants are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
Water: Wineberry plants require moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during dry periods.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant to improve soil fertility.
Soil: Wineberry plants prefer well-drained, loamy soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5.
Sunlight: Wineberry plants require full sun to partial shade. Plant the shrub in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Wineberry plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wineberry plants are susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:
Japanese Beetle: The Japanese beetle feeds on the leaves of the plant, causing skeletonization. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control the pest.
Raspberry Crown Borer: The raspberry crown borer is a pest that feeds on the canes of the plant, causing wilting and death. Remove and destroy infected canes to control the pest.
Gray Mold: Gray mold is a fungal disease that causes the fruit to rot. Remove infected fruit and improve air circulation to control the disease.
Habitat
Wineberry plants are native to China, Japan, and Korea and are commonly found in woodland areas, forest edges, and disturbed sites. The plant has been introduced to other regions, including North America and Europe, where it is considered an invasive species.
Question and Answer
Q: Is wineberry fruit edible?
A: Yes, wineberry fruit is edible and has a unique flavor that is similar to raspberry.
Q: What is the best time to prune wineberry plants?
A: Prune wineberry plants in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can wineberry plants grow in containers?
A: Yes, wineberry plants can grow in containers. Use a large container with well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize wineberry plants?
A: Apply fertilizer once a year in early spring before new growth begins.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to wineberry:
- Rubus Occidentalis
- Rubus Idaeus
- Rubus Fruticosus
- Rubus Ursinus
References
- “Rubus phoenicolasius.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 July 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c772>.
- “Wineberry.” Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Working Group. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/ruph1.htm>.
- “Rubus phoenicolasius.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RUPH>.
