Common Names: Atherton Raspberry, Native Raspberry, Tropical Raspberry
Atherton Raspberry is a tough Aussie native that loves the heat but best in some shade. Unlike the English types that struggle in Perth, this one thrives in our warm sun. It grows as a big, prickly shrub that gives you heaps of bright red berries. The fruit is large, round and sweet and mild, and kids love picking them straight off the bush. It is a fast grower, so it is perfect for filling a spot quickly.
Features:
Ideal prune height range: 1.5-2m
pH growing conditions: 5.6 to 6.2
Shade or full sun: Full sun to part shade
Minimum pot year 5: 50L pot (best in pots to stop it spreading)
Time to fruit age: Fruits in the first year usually.
This plant is a bit of a wild one and likes to scramble. It has little hooks on the stems to help it climb, so a trellis or a fence is a great idea. It stays green all year and produces white flowers before the berries arrive. In Perth, it likes a bit of extra water when it is hot to keep the berries juicy. If it gets too big, just give it a hard prune after the fruit is finished. Suckers well.
Interesting Notes:
The berries are ready when they almost fall into your hand. If you have to pull hard, they are not sweet yet. The leaves can also be dried to make a nice tea that is good for digestion, avoid tea when pregnant.
This is a top pick for a bush tucker garden because it is so easy to grow and produces more fruit than the regular types.
Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.
Keywords: Atherton Raspberry, native raspberry, bush tucker Perth, edible garden, tropical raspberry