🫐 Blackberry Bush
Rubus fruticosus
Shrub
☀️ Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate; well-drained soil essential
🗺️ Zones
5–9
📏 Spacing
3–6 ft (erect varieties); 5–8 ft (trailing)
📐 Height
3–9 ft
🧪 Soil pH
5.6–6.5
⏱️ Maturity
1–2 years (floricane types fruit in 2nd season)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (9)
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Tansy grow well together.
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Hazelnut grow well together.
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Serviceberry grow well together.
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Comfrey grow well together.
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Marigold grow well together.
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Nasturtium grow well together.
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Thimbleberry grow well together.
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Garlic grow well together.
🤝 Clover
Good companion — Blackberry Bush and Clover grow well together.
⚠️ Keep Apart (4)
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
Keep apart — these plants do not grow well together.
📝 Growing Notes
Tansy is blackberry's most renowned companion — it has been traditionally planted alongside blackberries and grapes for centuries to deter pests. Comfrey provides excellent nitrogen-rich mulch while hazelnut and serviceberry make compatible multi-species berry plantings. Keep separate from raspberries and nightshades to prevent shared diseases including verticillium wilt.