About
Rubus idaeus, the common raspberry, is a vigorous, deciduous shrub to 2.5 m with erect, biennial stems bearing pinnate leaves of 3�7 coarsely toothed, white-felted-beneath leaflets. Clusters of white flowers in summer are followed by sweet, edible, red fruits. The parent of all cultivated raspberries � an indispensable fruiting shrub for a productive garden.
About the genus
Rubus, the brambles, raspberries and dewberries, are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, often scrambling, with bristly or prickly stems bearing simple, lobed, palmate or pinnate leaves and five-petalled flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible fruits. A diverse genus including many ornamental and fruiting species.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Shrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an acidic or neutral soil and mulch with acidic material such as composted bark. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See raspberry cultivation
PruningRemove all fruited canes down to ground level in early to mid autumn
PropagationChoose disease-free stock for propagation. Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings from spring to midsummer, hardwood cuttings in winter, root cuttings in autumn and winter, leaf bud cuttings in mid to late summer, division from autumn to early spring and layering from late summer to early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, raspberry beetle and gall mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)