Rubus ‘Apache’

Rubus ‘Apache’: Thornless Blackberry, Big Sweet Harvest

Rubus ‘Apache’ is a standout thornless blackberry with an upright, erect habit that keeps the planting looking tidy and makes picking noticeably easier. In early to mid summer, it produces large, sweet blackberries with a generous yield, often outperforming many other thornless selections. The strong canes hold fruit up off the ground, helping keep harvests cleaner and more accessible. A great choice for edible gardens and sunny backyards, it brings real productivity without the trouble of thorns.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–180 cm
• Spread: 150 cm
• Flower Colour: White
• Flowering Period: Late spring, with fruit ripening early to mid summer
• Foliage: Deciduous green foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for home orchards, edible landscapes, and sunny mixed borders, ‘Apache’ is perfect when you want reliable blackberry production without thorny canes. Its upright growth makes it a good fit along fences, on trellises, or in rows where you want clear access for harvesting. The large berries are excellent fresh, and they also shine in preserves, baking, and freezing for later use. Plant it where it can be appreciated as both a productive crop and a handsome, vigorous shrub.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for best flowering and fruit quality, and provide consistent moisture during establishment and while berries are sizing up. Aim for well-drained soil with added compost for strong cane growth. Mulch to keep roots cool and reduce weeds, and consider light support or training if you want the cleanest, most orderly row. After fruiting, remove canes that have produced berries and thin crowded growth to improve airflow and keep next season’s canes strong and productive.

History: ‘Apache’ is a modern thornless blackberry selected for its erect habit, large fruit, and strong yields, making it especially useful for gardeners who want high performance in a neat, manageable form. Its combination of productivity and easy handling has helped it remain a popular choice for backyard berry plantings.

Final Thoughts: If you love the flavour of fresh blackberries but not the scratches that come with them, ‘Apache’ is an easy win, with big sweet berries, a clean upright habit, and a harvest season that feels truly rewarding.