Raspberry

Profile

Family

Rosaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

1.8 m

Spread

1.5 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

10 years

First yield

after 2 years

Hardiness

zone 4–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very wet

pH

5.5 – 6.5

Synonyms

Himbeeren

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Früchte – roh oder gekocht. Köstlich, wenn man sie direkt aus der Hand isst, werden die Früchte auch für Kuchen, Konfitüren usw. verwendet. Wurzel – gekocht. Die Wurzel, die weder zu jung noch zu alt sein sollte, muss lange gekocht werden. Junge Triebe – geschält und roh oder gekocht wie Spargel gegessen. Sie werden geerntet, sobald sie im Frühjahr aus der Erde kommen und noch zart sind. Aus den getrockneten Blättern wird Kräutertee zubereitet. Einem anderen Bericht zufolge ist eine Teesorte aus Himbeer- und Brombeerblättern ein ausgezeichneter Kaffeeersatz.

Medicinal: Antiemitic. Leaves and roots have anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, eye-healing, labor-inducing, and stimulating properties. A tea made from them is used to treat diarrhea, strengthen the uterus in pregnant women, assist in childbirth, and alleviate painful menstrual symptoms. The active ingredients stimulate and relax the uterus. They can be used in the last three months of pregnancy and during labor but not earlier. Externally, leaves and roots are used as a gargle for tonsillitis and mouth inflammations, as a compress and wash for wounds, conjunctivitis, minor injuries, burns, and varicose veins. Leaves are harvested in summer and dried for later use. The fruits have anti-scorbutic and diuretic effects. Fresh raspberry juice, mixed with honey, makes an excellent cooling drink for fever. As a syrup, it is believed to have a soothing effect on the heart.

Other uses: Use in landscaping: erosion control, foundation, ground cover, planting, rock garden, coastal areas. Plants of this genus are particularly susceptible to honey fungus. Characteristics: Not native to North America, attracts butterflies, inconspicuous flowers. A violet to dull blue dye is extracted from the fruit. Fibers obtained from the stems are used for paper production. Stems are harvested in summer after fruit consumption, leaves removed, stems steamed to strip fibers. Fibers are boiled in lye for 2 hours, then beaten for 3 hours by hand hammers or in a ball mill. The paper has a light brown color. A decongestant facial mask from the fruit is used in cosmetics to soothe red skin.

Growing

Prefers a good, deep, well-draining clay soil that is slightly acidic. Dislikes very heavy, light, and alkaline soils. Thrives in a sunny location but can tolerate some shade. Plants do not grow well when shaded by trees but can thrive outdoors on a north-facing slope. Requires a location protected from strong winds. Prefers a pH level between 6 and 6.5. Raspberries are commonly grown in temperate regions worldwide for their edible fruits, with many named varieties that can provide fresh fruits from mid-summer to autumn. Due to high harvesting costs, most commercially grown crops are either used for preserves or pick-your-own operations. All varieties are self-fertile. This species has biennial canes, producing new canes each year from the perennial base, with the canes bearing fruit in the second year before dying off. It is advisable not to plant raspberries near blackberries or potatoes. Information on growth habits and root patterns is also useful for designing polycultures and above-ground architecture. The plant grows in a creeping thicket, forming a colony of canes that spread indefinitely from the crown. The root pattern involves runner formation with new plants emerging from underground runners away from the main plant. Heat zone: 9-1.

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs one month of stratification at around 3°C and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings once they are large enough to handle in the cold frame and grow on. Plant them out in late spring of the following year at their final location. Semi-hardwood cuttings, July/August under [200]. Layer in July. Plant in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf fall in autumn.

Origin & habitat

Europe, from Iceland south and east to Spain and temperate Asia.

Mixed woodland, thickets, and rocky areas, primarily on limestone.

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