Creeping Raspberry

Commonly known as the Creeping Raspberry, Rubus calycinoides (also sold as R. hayata-koidzumii) is a superb, low-growing evergreen shrub that forms a thick, carpet-like mat of foliage. Its most striking feature is its deeply wrinkled, leathery, dark green leaves which are lobed and somewhat heart-shaped. In autumn and winter, the foliage takes on beautiful reddish-purple and bronze tones, providing excellent cold-weather interest. While it does produce small white flowers in summer followed by edible, salmon-coloured berries, these are often hidden beneath the leaves and are not the primary reason for growing the plant. Instead, it is prized for its exceptional ability to cover large areas of ground, suppress weeds, and stabilise banks. It is very hardy (H5) and adaptable, thriving in most well-drained soils in either sun or shade. Its prostrate stems root as they touch the soil, creating a rugged and durable ground cover that is also relatively drought-tolerant once established. 165 words.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained loam or clay.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.