The Story
Plant Bio
Rubus pentalobus 'Emerald Carpet' is a low-growing, spreading perennial with dense, evergreen foliage that forms a lush ground cover, featuring small, rounded, dark green leaves. It produces tiny white flowers in spring.
This cultivar is notable for its vibrant, dense mat-like growth habit, making it an excellent ground cover that suppresses weeds and adds year-round greenery to shaded or sunny garden areas.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
4 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Taiwan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early summer – Late summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil
- Mist regularly to keep soil moist during germination
- Ensure partial shade for best growth
- Water consistently, especially in dry periods
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
- Transplant young plants after root establishment
Pro Tip
Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil for optimal spreading.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune lightly to maintain shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Skip heavy fertilizing to prevent legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Emerald Carpet questions
What zones can Emerald Carpet grow in?
Emerald Carpet is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Emerald Carpet deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Emerald Carpet, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Emerald Carpet bloom?
Emerald Carpet typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Emerald Carpet need full sun?
Emerald Carpet does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Emerald Carpet drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Emerald Carpet handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Rubus to compare

Mammoth Red Raspberry
Rubus idaeus 'Mammoth Red'

Triple Crown Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus 'Triple Crown'

Crimson Night Raspberry
Rubus idaeus 'Crimson Night'

Apache Thornless Blackberry
Rubus fruticosus 'Apache Thornless'

Jewel Black Raspberry
Rubus idaeus 'Jewel'

Canby raspberry
Rubus idaeus 'Canby'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Emerald Carpet with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
