Zmeur remontant aromat - Rubus idaeus 'Heritage'

Rubus idaeus 'Heritage' is a remontant raspberry cultivar of the Rosaceae family, renowned for its medium-sized red berries and sweet-tart taste. Developed in 1969 at Cornell University, New York, this variety is valued for its high productivity, disease resistance and ability to produce two harvests per year. It is ideal for orchards, borders or large pots, being suitable for fresh consumption, jams, juices or desserts.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are compound, with 3-5 ovate leaflets, serrated edges, medium green, with a slightly rough texture. The foliage is deciduous, falling in winter, and provides a dense background for the fruit.
• Flowers : The flowers are small, white, with 5 petals, grouped in clusters, appearing from May to August. They are attractive to pollinators, especially bees.
• Fruits : The fruits are compound drupes, of medium size (3-5 g), of an intense red, round-conical shape, firm and glossy. They have a sweet, balanced taste, with a sour note and a rich aroma. The main harvest takes place in August-October, with a smaller harvest in June-July on the stems of the previous year.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Reaches 1.5-2 m high and 1-1.2 m wide, forming an erect shrub with thorny stems, which requires support (trellis or fence).
• Vigor : Fast growth, with vigorous stems and high productivity, up to 3-4 kg per bush. Forms few shoots, reducing the need for thinning.
• Type : Deciduous, remontant, evergreen shrub with double annual production.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6-8 hours/day) for optimal fruiting. Tolerates partial shade, but produces fewer fruits.
• Soil : Grows in fertile, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5). Add compost or well-rotted manure when planting.
• Watering : Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, especially during fruit formation. Water deeply during dry periods.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 4-8 (down to -30°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Mulch the roots in winter for protection.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Resistant to common diseases, such as anthracnose, and cold. May be affected by aphids or mites; treat with insecticidal soap. Tolerates moderate drought and wind.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in spring and a fertilizer high in potassium in summer for fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
• Pruning : For a large harvest in the fall, cut all stems back to 10-15 cm in the spring. For double crops, cut only the fruiting stems in the fall, keeping the new ones for the summer. Remove weak or damaged branches.
• Propagation : Propagate by dividing the bushes, root cuttings or new shoots, in spring.
• Warning : Thorny stems may cause scratches. The fruits are edible and safe.

The 'Heritage' raspberry is ideal for fruit gardens, borders or large pots. Its red, aromatic berries are excellent for fresh consumption, jams, juices, cakes or freezing. They combine well with other berries or low plants, such as sage. They attract pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Rubus idaeus is native to Europe and Asia. The 'Heritage' raspberry cultivar, developed at Cornell University, is a remontant variety selected for quality fruit, disease resistance, and high productivity, making it popular in Europe and North America.

Pot diameter: 14 cm or 2 liters
Height with pot included: approx. 40-70 cm (varies depending on the season)

Plants for the garden or terrace are grown in unprotected spaces or with minimal protection (shade nets or anti-hail nets). For this reason, naturally, they cannot have perfect foliage - the leaves may show marks, defects or other damage. In the cold season, the plants enter vegetative rest.