Japanese Wineberry
Rubus phoenicolasiusfam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 22CF — Rubus phoenicolasius
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IOverview
Overview
Japanese Wineberry, scientifically known as Rubus phoenicolasius and belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a subshrub native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, and Qinghai, with an introduced presence in West Virginia. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and can grow up to 3 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit and documented medicinal uses, Japanese Wineberry is appreciated both as a food source and for its ornamental value. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, making it versatile in different growing conditions.
Quick answers
What is Japanese Wineberry?
Japanese Wineberry, scientifically known as Rubus phoenicolasius and belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a subshrub native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Japan, Korea, and Qinghai, with an introduced presence in West Virginia.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Japanese Wineberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 3 meters tall as a subshrub. For best results, keep the plant well-watered and provide it with the right soil conditions for optimal growth. The fruit is edible and can be harvested when ripe.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Subshrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese Wineberry for the first time
8steps
Start with Japanese Wineberry as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring or start young plants indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage fruiting and maintain plant shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, planting too deep, and using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Japanese Wineberry fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations such as jams, jellies, and pies. SKIP
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 23 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 7 native· 23 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Netherlands
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:West Virginia
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Arkansas, British Columbia, Cape Provinces, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, KwaZulu-Natal, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Alabama, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode I., South Carolina
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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