Large-leaved Raspberry
rubus macrophyllus
Also known as: ["Large-leaved Bramble","Bigleaf Raspberry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to East Asia, known for its large leaves and edible fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rubus |
| Botanical Name: | Rubus macrophyllus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed with support for climbing canes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter and drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old canes each year.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; provide dappled shade in extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in summer; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay mixes; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids frost; thrives in moderate climates.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; switch to low-nitrogen formula for fruiting varieties; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering; softwood cuttings root most reliably.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and keep warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus soil with sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut canes back to the base or lateral branches, thin out crowded areas, and trim side shoots to encourage fruiting canes.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or diseased canes, shape the plant, and encourage airflow and fruit production.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, remove dead/diseased canes, thin overcrowded areas, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; trim rootbound roots; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and fruiting.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, add fresh soil, position plant, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, allow excess water to drain freely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to dieback if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection with row covers; move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; reduced flowering and fruiting in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during active growth, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRubus macrophyllus is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion of this plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicRubus macrophyllus is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines after ingestion of this plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicRubus macrophyllus is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Rubus macrophyllus suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, it is suitable for beginners with moderate care requirements.
Q: Does Rubus macrophyllus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Are the fruits of Rubus macrophyllus edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and resemble raspberries.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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