Should I prune the whole cane if the tip is drooping?

No, just prune a few inches below the wilted part. The rest of the cane is usually fine.

Does drooping always mean pests?

Not always, as blackberries will droop when they are thirsty. Always check the soil moisture before assuming it is a pest issue.

Why are my blackberry canes drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the drooping tips for signs of insect boring.
Feel the soil to see if it is dry or waterlogged.
Look for any physical damage to the base of the cane.

Likely causes

Raspberry Cane Borer
Most likely
How to tell: The tips of the new canes wilt and droop suddenly. You might see two rows of punctures near the wilted area where the beetle laid eggs.
What to do: Cut the cane a few inches below the wilted area to remove the larvae. Dispose of the infested tip in the trash rather than the compost pile.
Water Stress
Possible
How to tell: The entire plant looks limp and the soil feels bone dry to the touch. This often happens during hot, dry spells in midsummer.
What to do: Give the plant a deep watering to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your blackberry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the drooping is caused by borers, you must act quickly to prevent the larvae from moving further down the cane. Wilting from heat is usually temporary and recovers once the plant is watered.

Stopping it coming back

Monitor your plants closely in late spring when the beetles are active. Keep the plants healthy with consistent water so they can better withstand minor pest pressure.

Blackberry: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your blackberry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Should I prune the whole cane if the tip is drooping?: No, just prune a few inches below the wilted part. The rest of the cane is usually fine.
Does drooping always mean pests?: Not always, as blackberries will droop when they are thirsty. Always check the soil moisture before assuming it is a pest issue.

Why are my blackberry canes drooping?