Japanese Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)

1 well-established plant in a 1.5 Litre pot, sent in plastic-free packaging. A striking, high-yielding cane fruit, prized for its ornamental red stems and deliciously sweet, jewel-like berries.

Perennial Cane Fruit | 200/300cm tall | Full sun to partial shade | Sweet, tart edible berries | Natural pest defence and highly productive

Japanese Wineberry is a vigorous, deciduous cane fruit closely related to the traditional blackberry and raspberry. It has a dense covering of bright red bristles along its arching stems, giving the plant a striking, fuzzy appearance. In late summer, it produces clusters of small, bright red, glistening berries that emerge from hairy protective calyces. In the kitchen, the fruit offers a distinct, sweet-tart flavour that bridges the gap between a raspberry and a blackberry. The berries are exceptionally versatile, perfect for eating fresh straight from the cane, or processing into vibrant jams, jellies, and fruit wines, as their natural pectin content aids in setting.

Wineberry possesses a fascinating mechanical defence system, the bristles on the stems and flower bases produce a sticky substance that effectively traps small sap-sucking insects. While the plant is not carnivorous, this sticky layer acts as a formidable, physical barrier against herbivorous pests, naturally protecting the developing fruit. In early summer, the plant produces small, star-shaped, pale pink to white flowers. These open blooms are highly attractive to local pollinator populations, acting as a reliable nectar and pollen resource.

The Japanese Wineberry is cultivated much like a standard summer-fruiting raspberry. Holding an RHS H6 hardiness rating, it is completely hardy and will comfortably survive severe winter freezing. It thrives in moisture-retentive but free-draining soil and tolerates partial shade, though a position in full sun will yield the sweetest fruit. Because the arching canes can reach up to three metres in length, the plant requires a sturdy trellis, wire framework, or fence for support. It fruits entirely on second-year wood; therefore, annual maintenance simply involves cutting the old, fruited canes down to the base in autumn, and tying in the fresh, newly grown stems to ensure a continuous, heavy harvest the following year.

Delivery Information

All plants are carefully packed and sent in plastic-free packaging to protect both the plant and the environment. Plants are dispatched promptly so they arrive fresh, healthy, and ready to plant.

We ship orders using a tracked 24-hour delivery service, helping to minimise time in transit and reduce stress on the plant. Orders are packed by hand at the nursery, and we aim to dispatch early in the week to avoid delays over weekends.

If you have any questions about delivery timing or combining orders, please get in touch before ordering and we will be happy to help.

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