Purple Flowering-raspberry Rubus odoratus

Purple flowering raspberry is a native deciduous perennial of Eastern North America. It is common in the mountain region of North Carolina and is one of the easiest to recognize Rubus species, with large palmately lobed leaves and colorful petals. It is a deciduous shrub with canes that can grow to 6 feet tall and 12 feet across. It is typically grown as an ornamental because of its rose-like, long-blooming, fragrant flowers, its medium green leaves that turn golden in the fall, and hairy stems with virtually no prickles. In addition to its appearance, the lackluster fruit (edible but somewhat dry, crumbly and unappetizing) also favors it use as an ornamental. The plant is sometimes commonly called thimbleberry (though this common name is usually more appropriate for the similar but white-flowered Rubus parviflorus of the West).

This plant is beneficial for songbirds, game birds, butterflies, bees, large and small mammals.  Also used for nesting material for bees.  

The Purple Flowering Raspberry grows best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It will grow well in sandy soils, but does not like clay. It has good shade tolerance. It best to prune immediately after fruiting. Grows best in moist but not wet soil, enriched with organic matter. It dislikes high humidity and high temperatures and needs good air circulation. It is found naturally in upland forests, boulderfields, rock outcrops, thickets, and substrates. It can be propagated from bare root, seed, or sprigs. An aggressive, suckering habit needs to be watched.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

Other than honey fungus, to which most Rubus species are susceptible, there are no known problems.

More information on Rubus.