Name: Rubus hybrid 'Columbia Star' (Columbia Star Thornless Blackberry)
Average Landscape Size: 4–6 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide; vigorous trailing habit (best grown on a trellis or fence)
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours of direct light) for maximum berry production
Water Needs: Moderate; requires consistent moisture during the fruiting season but prefers well-drained soil
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; very well-suited for Houston-area chill hour requirements (approx. 300–500 hours)
Fertilization & Pruning: Apply a balanced fruit fertilizer in early spring and again after harvest; prune spent floricanes to the ground after they finish fruiting
Detailed Description: If you’re looking for a professional-grade berry with a painless harvest, the Columbia Star is a fantastic choice for our local gardens. This thornless wonder was bred to capture the legendary flavor of the Marionberry but with the resilience needed for a wider range of climates. The berries are exceptionally firm and dark, making them just as good for fresh snacking as they are for baking into a summer cobbler.
Because of its trailing habit, this 3-gallon plant will be happiest if you give it a sturdy trellis or fence line to climb. In the Houston area, it benefits from our long growing season and reliably produces heavy yields once established. It’s a "clean" grower that doesn't scratch you back during picking time, and its attractive white spring blooms provide an extra layer of beauty before the fruit arrives in early summer.
Name: Rubus hybrid 'Columbia Star' (Columbia Star Thornless Blackberry)
Average Landscape Size: 4–6 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide; vigorous trailing habit (best grown on a trellis or fence)
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours of direct light) for maximum berry production
Water Needs: Moderate; requires consistent moisture during the fruiting season but prefers well-drained soil
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; very well-suited for Houston-area chill hour requirements (approx. 300–500 hours)
Fertilization & Pruning: Apply a balanced fruit fertilizer in early spring and again after harvest; prune spent floricanes to the ground after they finish fruiting
Detailed Description: If you’re looking for a professional-grade berry with a painless harvest, the Columbia Star is a fantastic choice for our local gardens. This thornless wonder was bred to capture the legendary flavor of the Marionberry but with the resilience needed for a wider range of climates. The berries are exceptionally firm and dark, making them just as good for fresh snacking as they are for baking into a summer cobbler.
Because of its trailing habit, this 3-gallon plant will be happiest if you give it a sturdy trellis or fence line to climb. In the Houston area, it benefits from our long growing season and reliably produces heavy yields once established. It’s a "clean" grower that doesn't scratch you back during picking time, and its attractive white spring blooms provide an extra layer of beauty before the fruit arrives in early summer.
