Bristol Black Raspberry — Rubus 'Bristol'

Bristol Black Raspberry (Rubus 'Bristol') is a thorny, deciduous fruiting shrub with white spring flowers followed by glossy black berries in early summer. The berries have a rich, sweet-tart flavor, making this self-pollinating selection a flavorful addition to an edible garden.

This selection of a black raspberry native to eastern North America fruits best in full sun and rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous fruiting shrub with thorny canes
• Species origin: Eastern North America
• Listed height: 4–5 feet
• Listed spread: 3–4 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 4 feet apart
• USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best fruiting in full sun
• Soil: Rich, moist, slightly acidic and well-drained
• Flowers: White in spring
• Fruit: Glossy black, sweet-tart berries in early summer
• Pollination: Self-pollinating

Care and garden use

Provide consistent moisture and good drainage; avoid wet or waterlogged soil. Remove canes that have finished fruiting after harvest, along with weak canes, and prune as needed in winter. Remove unwanted suckers and dispose of trimmings to help prevent unwanted rooting and spread.

Bristol has moderate maintenance needs. Grow in edible gardens, borders, wildlife gardens or grouped plantings, leaving room for its thorny canes and access for harvesting. Containers must be suitably sized and have drainage holes.

Image credit: Prides Corner, Bristol Black Raspberry.

Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.