Log in

Rubus idaeus /ˈrʊbʊs/

Common name: Red raspberry

Rubus idaeus is a deciduous shrub in the rose family, native to Europe and northern Asia. It produces biennial canes from a perennial rootstock: first-year canes (primocanes) grow vegetatively, while second-year canes (floricanes) flower, fruit, and die. The familiar red "berry" is actually a cluster of small drupelets.

Fun facts

  • A raspberry is not a single berry but an aggregate of dozens of tiny drupelets.
  • The species name "idaeus" means "of Mount Ida," referring to mountains in ancient Anatolia.
  • Raspberries spread aggressively by underground suckers and can form dense thickets.
  • Unlike blackberries, a picked raspberry leaves its core (receptacle) behind on the plant, making it hollow.

Care summary

Sun Full sun
Water Regular moisture, about 2.5 cm (1 in) per week
Soil Slightly acidic, rich, well-drained soil
Hardiness Zones 3–8
Mature height 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)
Pet safe Non-toxic; fruit safe for pets in small amounts
Difficulty Moderate
Propagation Easiest by transplanting the rooted suckers that spring up around the parent plant; dig them up with a section of root in early spring or autumn and replant. It also layers readily by burying the tip of a cane in soil until it roots, and can be raised from root cuttings taken in winter.

Make your own Red raspberry profile

Common problems

    • Prune out wilted canes below damage
    • Remove and destroy infested canes
    • Keep plantings weed-free and clean
    • Space canes for good air circulation
    • Pick ripe fruit promptly and often
    • Avoid overhead watering near harvest
    • Blast colonies off with water spray
    • Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
    • Apply insecticidal soap to undersides
    • Dig out suckers outside the row
    • Install a buried root barrier
    • Choose clumping rather than running types