Blackberry and Raspberry are often considered for the same spot in the garden (pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Rubus fruticosus 2.5 m × 3 m after 10 years
Blackberry is a vigorous fruiting plant with long arching canes that is best tied to wires or a fence. It is self-fertile, so one plant gives a…
Rubus idaeus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
Raspberry is a suckering cane fruit: summer types crop on last year's canes, autumn types on the current year's shoots, sometimes right into autumn.…
Blackberry grows faster than Raspberry.
Raspberry is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Blackberry.
Blackberry tolerates drought better than Raspberry.
Blackberry needs less water than Raspberry.
|
Feature
|
Blackberry
|
Raspberry
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Fruit | Fruit |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 3 m | 2 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 1.5–3 m × 2–8 m | 1.5–2.5 m × 0.5–1.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic, Sandy |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–September, white, pink | May–August, white |
| Water need | Medium | High |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 200 cm | 50 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €8.90 | approx. €9 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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