Thimbleberry planting instructions
Rubus parviflorus - Thimbleberry planting instructions
Grows best in a compost rich, organic, slightly acid, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Young plants may burn 1st year until roots are established in hotter areas. Can be grown in full shade, but berry yield will be less. Requires regular moisture. Water daily 1st year. Can tolerate brief periods of flooding and drought after it is well established for at least a year. Fertilize with any balanced fertilizer if planted in the ground. Grows in USDA zones 3-8
Will not have flowers and berries on new canes the first year. Berries develop on second year overwintered stems. Best berry yields are on 2–3-year-old canes. Prune any damaged canes in late Winter and any canes that over 3 years old.
Excellent for hedges, wildlife gardens, and erosion control. Plant in areas where it can naturalize and form a colony. Best if planted in the ground. If planted in a container, container should be at least 10 gallons or larger and soil in container must be well draining and contain stone grit like pumice or lava (3/8-1/16 inch). Avoid Big Box Store brands like Miracle Gro, Virgo, Fox Farm, Jiffy, or any similar potting mixes meant for flowers, vegetables, or marijuana; or any mix that has moisture control (water gel) and more than 25% compost.
Thimbleberry is a food source for songbirds, game birds, and small mammals. It is a larval host plant for the Yellow-Banded Sphinx moth (Proserpinus flavofasciata).