Native fruit-bearing shrubs

Flowering Raspberry

Rubus odoratus

Product code : AKENE-0043

Native shrub with large fragrant pink flowers, decorative foliage, and ecological value for Canadian gardens.
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Detailed plant guide
Advice adapted to Canada
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Quantity
About 125 seeds
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
3 to 8

Discover the plant

Common nameFlowering Raspberry
FamilyRosaceae
GenusRubus
Speciesodoratus
Cultivar​
TypeShrub
Botanical nameRubus odoratus
Reproducible seedsYes

Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus) is a remarkable native shrub known for its large fragrant pink-purple flowers, lush green foliage, and long blooming period from June to September. Its deeply lobed leaves provide ornamental texture similar to maple foliage, while its flowers create outstanding seasonal interest. This woody perennial gradually forms attractive colonies suited to natural gardens. Extremely hardy, it combines ornamental value, ecological benefits, and wild beauty in Canadian landscape settings.

Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus) thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils. Throughout Quebec and Canada, it is especially suitable for natural hedges, streamside plantings, and pollinator gardens. Regular watering during dry periods supports strong growth, especially while establishing. Organic mulch helps retain moisture and gradually improves soil quality. Maintenance remains moderate because this species naturally develops new shoots through spreading growth.

Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus) fits beautifully into ecological gardens, native plantings, and wildlife-friendly habitats. Its flowers attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and many beneficial insects. Its small edible red fruits add food value and can be used for jellies, jams, and syrups. It combines well with red-osier dogwood, serviceberry, wild bergamot, and spotted joe-pye weed to create landscapes rich in biodiversity and seasonal interest.

Ronce odorante en fleurs, arbuste indigène aux fleurs roses.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

3 mm

Spacing / density

1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft)

Germination temperature

18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F)

Germination time

Irregular germination after pretreatment; may take several months

Sowing period

Spring after scarification and stratification, or fall

Propagation

Seeds, division of shoots, or stem cuttings.

Cold stratification

Yes

Seed scarification

Yes

Growing method

Sow seeds after light scarification followed by a period of cold stratification to improve germination. Use a rich, moist, well-drained growing medium and cover the seeds lightly. Place seedlings in bright conditions out of intense midday sun and maintain consistent moisture. Purple-flowering Raspberry thrives in fertile, slightly cool soils and grows well in full sun to partial shade. Once established, this native shrub requires little maintenance and naturally produces numerous suckers, making it an excellent choice for ecological gardens and naturalized landscapes.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

5.5 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

-40 °C (-40 °F)

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Regular during dry periods

Soil type

Rich loamy to clay soil, well drained

Fertilization

Well-decomposed compost in spring

Moisture

Moderate; moist, humus-rich and well-drained soil

Seasonal care

Remove dead stems, maintain moisture, and control spreading shoots as needed.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Purple-flowering Raspberry can be grown in a large, deep container with excellent drainage. Use an organic-rich growing medium and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. This native shrub quickly develops into a dense specimen that provides seasonal screening on sunny patios or large balconies. Light spring pruning helps maintain an attractive shape while encouraging vigorous new flowering shoots.
Ronce odorante en fleurs, arbuste indigène aux fleurs roses.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

3 m

Width / spread

3 m

Flower color

Pink-purple

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright, spreading and suckering shrub

Fragrance

Lightly fragrant flowers

Bloom period

June to September

Fruiting

July to September

Days to maturity

First flowering and fruiting generally after 2 to 3 years

Harvest

July to September
Ronce odorante en fleurs, arbuste indigène aux fleurs roses.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Red-osier dogwood, serviceberry, wild bergamot, spotted joe-pye weed

Plants to avoid

Blue flag iris, marsh marigold, ligularia, horsetail

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Ripe fruit
The small red fruits of Purple-flowering Raspberry are edible and can be enjoyed fresh when fully ripe or transformed into jellies, jams, syrups, and homemade desserts. Although the crop is lighter than that of cultivated raspberries, the berries offer a delicate flavor and contribute to the harvest of native fruits. The fragrant flowers also attract abundant pollinators, helping improve fruit production throughout the garden.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Flowering Raspberry be sown?
Seeds can be sown in spring after cold stratification or in autumn to allow natural winter conditions to break dormancy.
Are Flowering Raspberry fruits edible?
Yes. The fruits are edible and can be eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies, syrups, and other homemade preserves.
Does Flowering Raspberry attract pollinators?
Yes. Its long-lasting pink flowers attract native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and many other beneficial pollinating insects.
Can it be used in a natural hedge?
Absolutely. Its dense growth and suckering habit make it an excellent shrub for natural hedgerows and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Is it suitable for Quebec gardens?
Yes. This native shrub is exceptionally hardy and perfectly adapted to Canadian winters and seasonal climate variations.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Attracts birds

Yes

Native plant

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Pollinators and birds