Rubus microphyllus Variegatus

Rubus microphyllus 'Variegatus' is a parent of raspberries and blackberries, native to China and Japan. This highly ornamental variety is appreciated for its variegated leaves of white and pink. The young leaves even take on an intense pink colour in spring. In August and September, it produces sparse fruits, red-orange in colour, which are edible, after a white summer flowering. These berries add a delicious touch to the plant, in addition to its aesthetic value. The bush, deciduous to semi-evergreen, reaches a height of about 70cm (28in) to 1m and has dense, arching, and bristly stems. It spreads slowly by suckers, forming a compact and well-filled bush.

Rubus microphyllus belongs to the Rosaceae family. This species is native to Japan and China, where it grows at low altitudes, in wooded areas as well as more open ones. It is hermaphroditic, with male and female organs, pollinated by insects. The variegated variety 'Variegatus' forms a dense bush 70cm (28in) to 1 m (3ft) in height and 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) wide, with slow growth. The young leaves of this variety are pink, then turn green with more or less wide and irregular spots of white flushed with pink. The slender stems of this plant are covered with a whitish bloom and are armed with many small thorns, which adds an interesting element to its appearance. It produces white flowers in early summer and edible red-orange berries in September.

Rubus microphyllus 'Variegatus' can thrive in most soils, as long as it is exposed to sun (non-burning exposure) or light shade. It prefers fertile and moist soil. To keep it healthy during winter, it is advisable to mulch it and take appropriate measures to protect it from the cold, as it is considered to be only slightly hardy. Plant it in various types of gardens, in woodland, natural, Japanese, and wild beds. It can be used to complement colour compositions in an interesting way, for example by associating it with ornamental vines or shrubs with colourful foliage, such as a Silvery Stachys Byzantina, a Berberis, or a Purple Physocarpus. Its decorative aspect makes it an attractive choice for gardening enthusiasts. This bramble has suckering roots, and can naturally layer, but it is not very invasive.