The Snowbank white blackberry presents a unique and captivating option for home gardeners seeking something beyond the ordinary. Its distinct appearance and flavor offer an intriguing twist on a familiar fruit. This resilient plant is a visually striking and productive addition to any garden.
Understanding Snowbank White Blackberry
The Snowbank white blackberry (Rubus ‘Snowbank’) is a cultivar known for its striking white fruit. This unique color comes from a genetic trait preventing the development of dark pigments, distinguishing it from an albino form of a standard blackberry. Developed through selective breeding, this thornless variety was introduced by Luther Burbank around 1916 as an improved version of his ‘Iceberg’ white blackberry.
This perennial bramble grows as a thornless plant, reaching 4 to 6 feet tall and spreading 3 to 6 feet wide with trailing canes. Its foliage consists of bright green, serrated leaves, characteristic of other blackberry cultivars. The berries are medium to large, creamy-white, and have a translucent, milky appearance when ripe, resembling tiny pearls.
Cultivating Snowbank White Blackberry
Cultivating Snowbank white blackberry begins with site selection, ensuring ample sunlight. It thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. While it tolerates some partial shade, direct sun exposure leads to the most bountiful harvests. The ideal soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0).
Planting is best done in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 12 inches and incorporating organic compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Space individual plants 3 to 6 feet apart to accommodate their spreading growth and ensure proper air circulation.
Watering needs are moderate; keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and fruit development. Deep watering once or twice weekly is generally sufficient, but adjust based on rainfall and temperature to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Fertilization supports vigorous growth and high yields; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring before new growth, and again after the initial berry harvest.
Snowbank white blackberry requires regular pruning to maintain productivity. After canes have finished fruiting, prune them out to encourage new growth for the following season. Training the vigorous, trailing stems onto a trellis or other support system helps keep the plant organized, improves airflow, and makes harvesting easier. This thornless cultivar simplifies the pruning and harvesting process compared to traditional thorny varieties.
Snowbank white blackberries are known for their disease resistance. However, remain vigilant for common blackberry pests and diseases, addressing issues promptly. The berries are ready for harvest in mid to late summer, from July to August, when they turn fully white and are soft to the touch. Ripe berries easily pull away from the stem.
Flavor Profile and Culinary Uses
The Snowbank white blackberry has a distinctive flavor profile, setting it apart from traditional dark blackberries. Its taste is mild and sweet, with a subtle tang and sometimes floral notes, making it less tart than its darker counterparts. The berries have a firm, juicy texture, and their translucent, creamy-white appearance adds an elegant touch to any dish.
These berries are versatile in the kitchen. They are excellent for fresh eating, offering a refreshing and delicate sweetness. They can be incorporated into fruit salads, where their pale color provides a visual contrast. They are also well-suited for various culinary applications, including jams, jellies, pies, cobblers, and other baked goods. Their appealing appearance also makes them a decorative garnish for desserts or fruit platters.
Snowbank White Blackberry Compared to Other White Berries and Availability
The Snowbank white blackberry stands out among other white-fruited blackberries due to its specific characteristics. While other white blackberry varieties exist, such as ‘Polar Berry’ or ‘Iceberg’ (an earlier Luther Burbank creation), ‘Snowbank’ is recognized for its consistent creamy-white color and distinct flavor. It is a cultivated variety, not an albino form of a common blackberry, specifically bred for its unique traits.
Snowbank white blackberry plants are becoming more widespread, though they remain a specialty item compared to common varieties. Gardeners can find them at various local and online nurseries. When sourcing plants, check with reputable suppliers specializing in fruit-bearing plants to ensure you receive a true ‘Snowbank’ cultivar. Nurseries offer them as bare-root plants or in containers.