Why Are My Blackberry Canes Dying Back?

Dieback on blackberry canes — whether from the tip downward or from the base upward — is a common symptom with several possible causes. The direction and pattern of the dieback, and whether it affects isolated canes or the whole plant, guide the diagnosis. This is distinct from the normal die-back of old fruited canes, which is expected and correct after harvest.

Tip dieback from frost damage

The soft growing tips of blackberry primocanes are vulnerable to late spring frosts. A frost event in May or early June can kill the tip of a growing cane, causing the topmost 15–30 cm to wilt, turn brown and die back. The rest of the cane is unaffected and resumes growth from lateral buds below the dead tip. This is one of the most common causes of tip dieback and requires no intervention — remove the dead tip and the cane will fruit normally the following year.

Cane blight: sudden complete dieback

Cane blight (Leptosphaeria coniothyrium) causes sudden wilting and rapid death of a cane from a dark lesion at or near the base. The cane collapses within days. This is distinguishable from other dieback by the speed, the complete nature of the collapse, and the presence of a dark lesion low on the cane. Cut out and remove infected canes immediately, cutting into healthy tissue well below the lesion. Sterilise tools before and after.

Root problems and whole-plant dieback

If multiple canes are dying back simultaneously across the plant, or if growth overall is very poor, the root system is likely compromised — by waterlogging, phytophthora root rot, or soil-borne problems. Check the drainage around the plant's base. Lifting the plant and inspecting the roots (in autumn or early spring) can confirm whether root rot is present — rotted roots are dark brown and break apart easily rather than being firm and white inside.