Native Raspberry

Native Raspberry (Rubus parvifolius) is a vigorous, thorny native bramble with small red berries in autumn, and one of the most rewarding bush tucker plants for a home garden. It usually sits around 1m high, trailing partly along the ground, but can reach 2m with support. Compared with other native raspberries it is lower growing, hardier to cold and drought, and has deep pink instead of white flowers.

Why you'll love it

• Fruit you will not find in shops. The small red berries ripen in stages through autumn, so you can pick a handful at a time to eat fresh or use in desserts.
• Leaves for tea. The leaves can also be used to make a herbal tea.
• Cold and drought hardy. It is frost tolerant, grows wild across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT, and is the most drought tolerant of the native raspberries.
• Deep pink flowers. Small, deep pink flowers open in late spring and summer, brighter than the white blooms of its relatives.
• Wildlife habitat. The dense, thorny growth gives shelter and habitat for small wildlife.

Where it works best

Under trees. It copes with the dappled shade beneath established trees. Plant 1m apart as a groundcover.

Bush tucker beds. A natural member of a native edible garden, picked fresh on the way past.

On a trellis or low fence. Left alone it spreads along the ground. Given support it scrambles upward, hooking its thorns into whatever is above it.

Growing Native Raspberry in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade is ideal, such as under trees. It is frost tolerant and found naturally in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens.

Soil. Relatively free-draining soil, acid to neutral. Mulch generously to hold moisture and keep the roots cool.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established. It is the most drought tolerant native raspberry, but keep water up through dry spells for the best crop of fruit.

Pruning. It grows vigorously, so cut out old spent canes after fruiting and trim wandering growth. Wear thick gloves, because the canes are thorny.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Native Raspberry as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is in the ground. Young plants are small but quick to settle in. Plant them into mulched soil in dappled light and keep them watered through the first season.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower. It shows as sold out whenever none is on hand, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Australian native plants
• Bush tucker plants for the home garden
• Groundcover plants

Common questions

When do the berries ripen?

In autumn, and they ripen in stages, so you can pick a few each morning rather than a single large harvest. They are small and sweet.

Is it thorny, and will it spread?

Yes to both. It scrambles and spreads, so give it room and cut back stray canes. It is not toxic to dogs or cats, though the thorns will scratch a curious nose.

Can I eat the leaves?

The leaves can be used to make a herbal tea. The berries are the main reward, eaten fresh or cooked into desserts.