Rubus rolfei Emerald Carpet

Rosaceae
Evergreen, Ground covers, Shrubs

RUBUS

Though best known for blackberries and raspberries (see those common names for information about edibles), the brambles include many ornamental plants as well, most of them thornless. The species described here differ from blackberries and raspberries not only in their lack of prickles but also in having perennial rather than biennial stems. Spring flowers are followed by small, edible berries that attract birds.

These need good drainage and spread widely by rhizomes. Plant ground cover types about 2 ft. apart.

Rubus rolfei

From the mountains of Taiwan. Thickly foliaged stems spread at a moderate rate to form a dense carpet to 1 ft. high. Rounded, 1–1 1/2-in. leaves have three to five broad, ruffled-edged lobes; upper surfaces are lustrous dark green and rough textured, undersides are grayish white and felted. Small white flowers resemble those of strawberry. Berries are salmon colored.

Emerald Carpet

This is the commonly sold variety, whose superior foliage turns raspberry red in fall with the onset of cool nights. The plant spreads 5 ft. in 3 years; makes a durable ground cover for sun or partial shade.