Description
Silvanberry (Rubus Species)
Silvanberries are vigorous, trailing hybrid berries from the Rosaceae family, developed in Victoria, Australia by crossing Marionberry and Boysenberry. The thornless canes are highly productive, bearing large, glossy, cylindrical berries that ripen to a deep red-black colour with a sweet-tart flavour. Best suited to gardens with space for training along trellises or fences, they are easy to handle thanks to their thorn-free growth. Plant in a permanent position, as Silvanberries are long-lived and perform best when left undisturbed.
Canes can reach 1–2 metres when supported, and even longer if left unpruned. To maintain size and encourage strong fruiting, prune during winter while dormant.
Climate Suitability
Silvanberries thrive in cool to arid climates, performing best in areas with mild summers and cool winters. In hot regions, they benefit from afternoon shade. They need sunlight to fruit well, so a spot with morning sun and filtered afternoon light is ideal.
When to Plant
Plant from winter to early spring while dormant. In cooler climates, plant once the soil is workable and not frozen. While mature plants are frost-hardy, young canes may need protection from severe frost. Use frost cloths or temporarily plant in pots until conditions improve.
Where to Plant
Choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot, sheltered from strong winds. Use well-drained, enriched soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Before planting, improve the area with well-rotted manure, compost, or complete fertiliser, especially if the soil is poor or heavy. Allow space to train vigorous canes along a support.
How to Plant
- Spacing: 1.5–2 m apart
- Depth: Dig a wide hole and plant so the crown sits just below soil level, with roots spread out.
- Aftercare: Water in well and apply a thick mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots — especially important in Mediterranean and arid zones.
Growing in Pots
Use containers 40–50 cm deep and wide with quality potting mix enriched with compost. Place in morning sun with afternoon shade, water consistently, mulch the surface, and support canes with a trellis or wires.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, especially while flowering and fruiting. Increase watering in hot or dry conditions and mulch well. Potted plants dry out faster, so check frequently. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Fertilising
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring each year to support strong cane and fruit growth. A lighter application in late spring or early summer can further aid fruiting. Avoid overfeeding, which encourages excessive leaf growth over fruit.
Mulching
Mulch in spring using straw, sugarcane, or compost. In cooler climates, add mulch again in late autumn to insulate roots. Keep mulch away from main stems to prevent rot.
Pruning
Prune Silvanberries in winter, once the canes are dormant. These plants fruit on second-year wood (floricanes), so after harvesting, cut all fruited canes back to ground level — they will not fruit again. Fruited canes are typically woody, brown, and brittle. Identify and retain 5–7 of the strongest new canes (primocanes) in young plants, increasing to up to 10 as the plant matures from its third year. Remove any weak or overcrowded growth. Train the selected canes along a trellis or wire support to ensure good airflow and ease of harvesting. Light tip-pruning in summer encourages branching and helps manage length.
Harvesting
Fruit ripens December to January, turning deep purple-black when ripe. Pick every few days for best flavour and to extend harvest. Handle gently and refrigerate or process soon after picking.
Enjoy Silvanberries fresh, or use them in pies, crumbles, sauces, jams, or frozen in smoothies and baking.
Pests & Diseases
Birds are common pests — use netting to protect ripening fruit. To reduce fungal issues like rust or cane blight, maintain good airflow by pruning correctly and avoiding overcrowding. Avoid overhead watering, which can leave foliage damp and promote disease. During warm weather, monitor for aphids and mites, and treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Silvanberries are generally hardy and disease-resistant in cooler regions.
Training & Support
Train long canes along trellises, fences, or wires. Tie loosely with soft ties and remove unwanted suckers unless propagating.
Safety & Handling
With thornless canes, Silvanberries are easy to manage. Gloves are optional, and harvesting is comfortable. While the berries are non-toxic, always supervise young children around edible plants.
Supplied as a bare-rooted cane.