Hirsute Raspberry (Rubus hirsutus)

Rubus hirsutus is a perennial woody deciduous member of the Rubus genus in the family Rosaceae. The plant can grow 100 – 200cm tall. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth; forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Rubus hirsutus, the hirsute raspberry, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to southern China, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. It is sister to Rubus chingii.

Hirsute raspberry (Rubus hirsutus) is a shrub that grows 1.8 m to 2 m high. Like other members of the rubus genus (such as dewberry, raspberry, and blackberry), the fruits are edible. Another thing every member of this genus has in common is prickly stems.

II. How to Grow and Care

Hirsute raspberry generally requires standard care typical of the Rubus genus. Key to hirsute raspberry’s well-being is ensuring adequate soil drainage to prevent root rot, which is critical for its health. It thrives in conditions with ample sunlight; however, partial shade can also be suitable, especially in hotter climates. Due to its adaptability and resilience, hirsute raspberry does not demand extensive specialized care, making its maintenance relatively straightforward for gardeners.

Sunlight

Hirsute raspberry thrives best under full sun conditions, where it receives direct sunlight for at least six hours each day. The abundance of light promotes vigorous growth and optimal health, facilitating photosynthesis and fruit production. While hirsute raspberry tolerates partial sun, where it may be exposed to dappled sunlight for a portion of the day, extended periods without sufficient light can result in leggy stems and reduced berry yield. Its leaves may adapt to varying light levels by altering orientation to maximize light absorption. Outdoors, hirsute raspberry should be planted in a location where it can enjoy uninterrupted light for the majority of the day to capitalize on its growth potential.

Temperature

As a large genus, Rubus has a wide distribution range which means you are always likely to find a proper species or cultivar that grows well in your garden. Generally, Rubus species flourish in temperate zones, and are adaptable to slightly harsh conditions. Select cultivars that may thrive in your garden, thus the preferable climate will encourage them to bear more edible fruits. Hirsute raspberry prefers moist to slightly dry conditions, so it is important to avoid waterlogging

Watering

Hirsute raspberry thrives in conditions that mimic its native environment, where intermittent rainfall and well-draining soil are typical. This species exhibits a preference for moderate humidity and has developed a resilience to less frequent watering, making it suitable for somewhat forgetful gardeners. Watering should occur once every three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions. Ideally grown outdoors due to its adaptive nature, hirsute raspberry is particularly adept at weathering seasonal rainfall variations, often displaying robust growth cycles that align with the availability of water.

Soil

Hirsute raspberry is not picky about soil, as long as the soil is slightly acidic and well-drained. The ideal soil pH range for it is 5.5–7 while a few species and cultivars of Rubus may tolerate slightly alkaline soil as well. Rich loamy soil mixing with some sandy soil can be a good option. Always remember to avoid the heavy clay soil because it can become soggy easily. Hilled soils that promote drainage can also be taken into consideration, instead of wet, flat field.

Fertilizing

Fertilize hirsute raspberry with balanced nutrition or high-nitrogen fertilizers for robust growth. During active growth, in spring and summer, apply monthly. For mature hirsute raspberry, bi-monthly suffices, using 1/2 the dose for young plants. This promotes flourishing and fruiting, enhancing plant vigor. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn and foliage damage. Adjust application based on seasonal changes, reducing in fall and stopping in winter. Effective fertilization involves properly diluted solutions and root-zone application.

Planting Instructions

Generally, hirsute raspberry is planted with saplings that are easily purchased from nursery or gardening stores. Avoid hirsute raspberry collected in the forest as diseases are a big problem for wild Rubus.

Plant your hirsute raspberry in winter or early spring in your garden. Hirsute raspberry grows wild where there is much sunlight from above and a wealth of leaf litter, otherwise known as mulch or organic matter in the soil below. Because of this, your planting site is recommended to have ample sunlight and you should have organic matter such as grass clippings readily available. Keep your plants far away from any wild brambles to keep them healthy. Also, plant your hirsute raspberry in separate rows. The optimum spacing can be achieved by creating rows about 3 m apart with plants 60 cm apart within each row. Set a trellis on each side and tie the canes onto the trellis line or wire.

Hirsute raspberry will spread both rapidly and at long distances. If you do not want it everywhere in your garden, regularly prune it or grow it in containers. You are recommended to find a prickle-free and small variety to plant in pot, which may be handy for you. Use a shallow but large container for it because its roots spread shallowly outward. Potting soil and sunny place are standards for hirsute raspberry.

Pruning

Pruning is important for hirsute raspberry growers. Prune all canes that bore fruit this year down to the bottom right after harvest. All first-year canes should be cut about half to stimulate lateral growth from the side every late winter or early spring. Remove all suckers and trim overcrowded canes. Hirsute raspberry grown in patches must be pruned to ensure that individual canes are not touching to avoid disease infections. Be sure to remove any thinned or pruned canes from the field because old canes left on the ground can harbor disease.

Propagation

Belonging to a genus known for its robust and adaptive nature, hirsute raspberry can be effectively propagated using cuttings. It’s essential to select healthy, non-flowering shoots for this process. Cut a segment with a few leaf nodes, dip the cut end into rooting hormone for better establishment, and then insert it into well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging and provide a balanced environment with indirect light to encourage root growth.

Transplanting

For hirsute raspberry, the quintessential window for relocation is during the gentle awakening of vegetation from early to late spring, facilitating root establishment before summer. Select a site with well-draining soil and partial shade. Maintain consistent moisture post-transplant for optimal outcomes.

III. Uses and Benefits 

It is good for planting in shady areas and is common in mountains and forests.

IV. Harvesting and Storage

Taste the fruit and it will tell you when it is time to harvest. Ripe fruits will be sweet and juicy. If they are still sour or tart, let them ripen a bit longer. Usually you can start harvesting from midsummer till mid-fall, according to varieties. You should harvest the fruits when all dews or raindrops are dry to prevent molds. They have a short shelf life, so refrigerate them after harvest without washing. As for some sour species, process them into delicious jams or jellies.