Rubus ‘Ouachita’ (PP17,162)
Overview
Uses: home blackberry production, edible landscaping, backyard orchards, fresh eating, preserves and baking
Benefits: thornless canes, erect growth habit, self-pollinating, white spring flowers followed by firm sweet berries, good heat tolerance and strong disease resistance
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Upright, Erect — shrub-like canes that do not require trellising.
Bloom Color: White
Fruit Color: Deep Purple-Black
Mature Height: 4–5 ft.
Mature Width: 3–4 ft.
Bloom Season: Spring (fruit ripens in Summer)
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Thornless, upright canes and sweet summer harvests make ‘Ouachita’ a reliable backyard blackberry.
Rubus ‘Ouachita’ is an erect, thornless blackberry variety valued for its firm, flavorful fruit and manageable growth habit. In spring, clusters of white flowers attract pollinators, followed by glossy, deep purple-black berries in summer.
This variety grows in a naturally upright, shrub-like form and does not require trellising, though light support can help maintain neat growth and simplify harvesting.
‘Ouachita’ is self-pollinating, so one plant will produce fruit. For heavier yields, plant multiple shrubs 3–4 feet apart. Plants typically begin fruit production in their second growing season.
Heat tolerant and noted for resistance to Rosette Disease, this cultivar performs reliably across its hardiness range.
Care
Blackberry Plant Care
Plant in full sun for best flowering and fruit production.
Grow in moist, well-drained, loamy soil. Water regularly during establishment and during extended dry periods. Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated.
Apply slow release fertilizer in spring to encourage strong cane growth and fruiting.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Remove old, spent canes after fruiting to encourage healthy new growth. While trellising is not required, light support can improve air circulation and ease harvesting.
Size
What Size is ‘Ouachita’ Thornless Blackberry for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are appropriately sized for their container at time of shipment. For current sizing and availability, please contact us.
How Large Does ‘Ouachita’ Blackberry Grow?
At maturity, plants typically reach 4–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, forming an upright, productive shrub.
Additional Information
Common Names
- Ouachita Thornless Blackberry
- Ouachita Blackberry
- Thornless Blackberry ‘Ouachita’
Is ‘Ouachita’ self-pollinating?
Yes. This variety is self-fertile and will produce fruit on its own, though planting multiple shrubs nearby can improve yields.
When will fruit production begin?
Plants generally begin producing fruit in their second growing season after establishment.
Looking for similar plants?
Explore more options in our Shrubs & Bushes collection, browse additional berry varieties in our Berries collection, or discover more edible options in our Fruit & Vegetable Plants collection.
