What soil does Raspberry grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, sandy.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Raspberry toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is Raspberry toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How far from the house should Raspberry be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Raspberry flower?

Flowering: May–August, white.

How much water does Raspberry need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Raspberry cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €18 in local shops, depending on size.

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is a fruit plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to dogs and children. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Raspberry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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. It is self-fertile, so a single plant will fruit, though it is usually grown as a row of several plants along wires. It likes a cooler spot with moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil, and the root suckers need regular thinning or it will wander through the bed.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry lowlands of Central Europe summer heat and drought are the main problem: the roots are shallow, so without mulch and regular watering the fruit stays small and dry, and the plant scorches in full midday sun. Leaves may yellow on limy soil. Cane spot and grey mould are common, raspberry beetle grubs spoil the fruit, and roots rot in waterlogged soil. Canes that have fruited must be cut out at the base every year.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–August, white

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1.5–2.5 m × 0.5–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–August, white
Harvest	July–October
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-50 cm	approx. €7
30-40 cm	approx. €10
40-60 cm	approx. €12
size not stated	approx. €5 – €18

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that are non-toxic to dogs Plants that are non-toxic to children Fruit trees and bushes Plants with edible fruit

Compare with similar plants

Raspberry vs Blackberry

Looks good next to it

Heartleaf bergenia

Bergenia cordifolia

Persian ivy

Hedera colchica

Rhododendron

Rhododendron × hybridum