Rocky Mountain Raspberry, Delicious raspberry
Rubus deliciosus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus deliciosus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Scrub and rocky slopes in the Rocky mountains.
Western N. America - Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is not highly valued. It is delicious. Dry and of no flavour. The fruit is rather on the dry side and has lots of seeds to very little flesh, but the flavour is delicious. The hemispherical fruit is about 15mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -20°c. The flowers have a delicious perfume. This species is very closely related to R. trilobus. The plant has perennial stems and should not be pruned like normal raspberries. Instead it is sufficient to prune out any dead stems. There are no prickles on the stems. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; North Wall. By. East Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist