Alkaline Tolerant Blackberry Plants

Planting Requirements

• A planting location with well-draining soil will suite the blackberry shrub well. In areas that are prone to flooding, the shrub will grow fine in a raised bed. It will quickly succumb if planted in water-logged soil. Ideally, the blackberry prefers a soil pH level of 5 to 7.5. The soil should be clay loam or sandy loam. Blackberry shrubs suffer iron chlorosis if the pH rises over 8.0. Some blackberry varieties have displayed a distinct affinity to alkaline soil.

Brazos Blackberry

• The blackberry can also thrive in nutrient poor soil. The Brazos blackberry shrub has shown exceptional hardiness in the alkaline soils of the south-central Texas Hill Country. It produces strong canes but often only bears limited quantities of fruit. Growers can expect the plant to produce about 1 gallon of berries per foot of row, according to the Texas A&M University. The Brazos blackberry is a favorite berry for making wine. When grown in alkaline soil, a winemaker can expect a plant to bear enough berries to make 1 to 2 gallons of wine.

Rosborough and Arapaho Blackberries

• Texas A&M University first released Rosborough in 1977. It produces large berries that offer a sweeter flavor than Brazos. A heavy producer, the shrub has proven itself bountiful in the home landscape. When the shrub turns 3 years old, it will usually produce 3 to 10 lbs. of fruit per year. A relative newcomer, the Arapaho blackberry shrub was released in 1993 by the University of Arkansas. Arapaho establishes itself quickly and grows to a height of up to 5 feet. Rosborough and Arapaho grow well in alkaline soil.

Shawnee and Womack

• In 1977, Texas A&M University released Womack. A hardy blackberry shrub, it tolerates the alkaline soils of Texas. The plant produces small berries, which are considered sweeter than Brazos. In 1983, the University of Arkansas released Shawnee. It produces sweet berries, but they do not store well. A heavy producer, the Shawnee blackberry shrub bears a heavy crop during a two-week period. Both Womack and Shawnee grow good in alkaline soil.