Mur productiv fara spini - Rubus fruticosus 'Chester'

Rubus fruticosus 'Chester' is a thornless blackberry cultivar of the Rosaceae family, prized for its large, black berries and sweet-tart taste. Developed in the USA at the University of Maryland, this variety is ideal for orchards, borders or large pots, due to its high productivity, disease resistance and lack of thorns, which makes harvesting easier. The fruits are perfect for fresh consumption, jams, juices or desserts.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are compound, with 3-5 ovate leaflets, serrated edges, dark green, with a slightly rough texture. The foliage is deciduous, falling in winter, and forms a dense background for the fruit.
• Flowers : The flowers are white, large, with 5 petals, grouped in clusters, appearing in May-June. They are attractive to pollinators, especially bees.
• Fruits : The fruits are compound drupes, large (5-8 g), shiny black, round-conical in shape. They have a sweet taste, balanced with a sour note, and an intense aroma. The main harvest takes place in July-August, offering an abundant production.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Reaches 1.2-1.8 m tall and 1-1.5 m wide, forming a semi-erect shrub with thornless stems, which requires support (trellis or fence) to support the weight of the fruit.
• Vigor : Fast growth, with vigorous stems and high productivity, up to 4-5 kg per bush. Forms few shoots, reducing the need for thinning.
• Type : Deciduous, non-remontant perennial shrub with a single annual harvest.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6-8 hours/day) for maximum fruiting. Tolerates partial shade, but produces fewer fruits.
• Soil : Grows in fertile, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5). Add compost or well-rotted manure when planting.
• Watering : Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, especially during fruit formation. Water deeply during dry periods.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 4-8 (down to -30°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Mulch the roots in winter for additional protection.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Resistant to cold and diseases such as anthracnose or rust. May be affected by aphids or mites; treat with insecticidal soap. Tolerates moderate drought and wind.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in spring and a fertilizer high in potassium in summer for fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
• Pruning : Cut back fruiting stems immediately after harvest (August), down to the ground, and remove weak or damaged branches in spring. Keep 5-7 healthy stems per bush.
• Propagation : Propagate by root cuttings, layering or dividing the bushes in spring.

Rubus fruticosus 'Chester' is ideal for fruit gardens, borders or large pots. Its black, sweet fruits are excellent for fresh consumption, jams, juices, cakes or freezing. It combines well with other berries or low plants, such as lavender, and attracts pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Rubus fruticosus is native to Europe and Asia. The blackberry cultivar 'Chester' , developed in the USA, is selected for its large fruit, lack of thorns, and disease resistance, making it popular in horticulture in North America and Europe.

Height with pot included: approx. 50 cm

Pot size: 11-14 cm or 2l

Plants for the garden or terrace are grown in unprotected spaces or with minimal protection (shade nets or anti-hail nets). For this reason, naturally, they cannot have perfect foliage - the leaves may show marks, defects or other damage. In the cold season, the plants enter a period of vegetative rest.