Blackberry 'Snowbank White' (Rubus)
Regular price $19.95Unique White Blackberry Variety
Common Names: Snowbank White Blackberry, White Blackberry
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: Developed in the United States
Snowbank White Blackberry (Rubus) is a rare and unique variety of blackberry known for its striking white fruit. Unlike traditional blackberries, the Snowbank variety produces sweet, juicy berries with a pale, creamy-white color. This blackberry cultivar was developed through selective breeding, offering gardeners the opportunity to grow a visually distinct and flavorful berry in their home gardens. In addition to its unique appearance, Snowbank White Blackberries are known for their mild, sweet flavor, making them perfect for fresh eating, jams, desserts, or adding a pop of color to fruit salads.
This variety, developed by legendary plant breeder Luther Burbank, is also valued for its hardiness, disease resistance, and ease of growth.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Snowbank White Blackberries produce medium to large, creamy-white berries that are sweet and juicy with a mild, pleasant flavor. The lack of pigment gives the berries a unique appearance, but they retain the same nutritional benefits as traditional blackberries, including high levels of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which promote immune health and support digestion.
Foliage: The plant has the same vigorous growth habit as other blackberry cultivars, with bright green, serrated leaves that form dense, arching canes.
Growth Habit: Snowbank White Blackberry is a perennial bramble that grows best in temperate climates. It typically reaches 4-6 feet in height and spreads through its trailing canes.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
The unique appearance and sweet flavor of Snowbank White Blackberries make them a standout in the kitchen. These berries can be eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or used to make jams, jellies, pies, and cobblers. They are also a great addition to summer desserts, offering a mild sweetness and beautiful contrast when paired with darker berries or other fruits. In the garden, Snowbank White Blackberries are as ornamental as they are productive, adding a distinctive touch to berry patches and edible landscapes.
Growing Tips
Low-chill blackberries including Snowbank, Natchez, Ponca, and Apache are fast-growing, self-fertile perennial fruiting shrubs that thrive in full sun and rich, well-draining soil. They typically reach 6–12 ft. depending on the variety and can be grown in the ground or trained along a trellis, fence, or other support. Provide regular moisture during active growth and fruit development, while avoiding consistently soggy soil.
Blackberries have a unique growth cycle: the roots are perennial, while the canes are biennial. New canes that emerge in spring generally grow vegetatively during their first year and produce fruit the following year. After fruiting, those older canes naturally die back and should be removed through pruning. Regular pruning helps maintain healthy growth, improves airflow, and maximizes berry production. Because these varieties are low-chill, they are well suited to regions with mild winters and can also be grown in containers in colder climates.
Quick Care Guide
| Variety | Harvest | Size | Growth | Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowbank | Spring–summer | 6–12 ft. | Fast | 6–9 |
| Natchez | Spring–summer | 6–12 ft. | Fast | 6–9 |
| Ponca | Spring–summer | 6–12 ft. | Fast | 6–9 |
| Apache | Spring–summer | 6–12 ft. | Fast | 6–9 |
Care: All varieties are self-fertile and prefer full sun, rich well-draining soil, and regular moisture during active growth and fruiting. They are perennial at the root with biennial fruiting canes.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type: | Perennial Fruit-Bearing Bramble |
| Harvest Season: | Mid to Late Summer |
| Mature Size: | 4-6 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide |
| Soil & Moisture: | Well-draining, fertile soil; moderate watering |
| Light Requirements: | Full Sun |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate to Fast |
| Self-fertile: | Yes |
| Zone Hardiness: | Outdoors 5-9; Patio/Greenhouse 4+; Grown in large containers indoors in cooler zones |
| Propagation: | Grown from tissue culture, cuttings or root divisions; fruits within 1-2 years of planting. |
Growing Guide for Snowbank White Blackberry
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Climate: Snowbank White Blackberry thrives in temperate climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9. The plant performs well in areas with warm summers and mild winters but can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal for healthy growth and fruit production. Adding compost or organic matter improves soil fertility and drainage.
Planting
- Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun promotes the best fruit production and healthy growth.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil and mix in organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall when the weather is cool and the risk of frost has passed.
- Spacing: Space plants 3-6 feet apart to allow for their spreading growth habit.
Watering
- Moderate Moisture: Water regularly during the growing season, especially when the plant is establishing and when fruits are developing. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Sunlight and Fertilizing
- Full Sun: Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal fruit production.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring to support vigorous growth and high yields. Fertilize again after the first round of fruiting to encourage additional berries.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Pruning: Snowbank White Blackberry requires regular pruning to maintain productivity. Prune out old canes after they finish fruiting to encourage new growth. Train the remaining canes onto a trellis or support to keep the plant organized and to improve airflow.
- Thornless Cultivar: This blackberry variety is thornless, making pruning and harvesting easier and less painful than traditional thorny varieties.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: Snowbank White Blackberry may attract pests like aphids, spider mites, or Japanese beetles. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
- Diseases: The plant is generally disease-resistant but can suffer from fungal diseases like powdery mildew or anthracnose if the foliage remains wet for long periods. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Harvesting Snowbank White Blackberries
When to Harvest:
- Snowbank White Blackberries are ready to harvest in mid to late summer when the berries turn fully white and are soft to the touch. The berries should easily pull away from the stem when ripe.
How to Use:
- The sweet, mild flavor of Snowbank White Blackberries makes them perfect for fresh eating, adding to salads, or using in desserts like pies, jams, and jellies. Their unique appearance also makes them a beautiful garnish for cakes, pastries, or fruit platters.
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