Zmeur remontant aromat - Rubus idaeus 'Heritage'

Rubus idaeus 'Heritage' is a remontant raspberry cultivar from the Rosaceae family, renowned for its medium-sized red fruits and sweet-tart taste. Developed in 1969 at Cornell University, New York, this variety is valued for its high yield, disease resistance, and ability to produce two harvests per year. It is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, or large pots, 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 fruits.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, white, with 5 petals, grouped in clusters, appearing from May to August. They attract pollinators, especially bees.
• Fruits: The fruits are compound drupes, medium-sized (3-5 g), bright red, round-conical in shape, firm and glossy. They have a sweet, balanced taste with a tart note and rich aroma. The main harvest occurs from August to October, with a smaller harvest in June-July on the previous year's canes.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Reaches 1.5-2 m in height and 1-1.2 m in width, forming an upright shrub with thorny stems that require support (trellis or fence).
• Vigor: Fast growth, with vigorous stems and high productivity, up to 3-4 kg per bush. Produces few suckers, reducing the need for thinning.
• Type: Deciduous perennial shrub, remontant, with double annual production.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun (6-8 hours/day) for optimal fruiting. Tolerates partial shade but yields fewer fruits.
• Soil: Grows in fertile, well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5). Add compost or well-rotted manure at planting.
• Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soaked, 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 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 potassium-rich fertilizer in summer for fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
• Pruning: For a large autumn harvest, cut all stems to 10-15 cm in spring. For double harvests, prune only the fruiting stems in autumn, keeping the new ones for summer. Remove weak or damaged branches.
• Propagation: Propagated by dividing clumps, root cuttings, or new shoots in spring.
• Warning: Thorny stems can cause scratches. The fruits are edible and safe.

'Heritage' raspberry is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, or large pots. Its red, flavorful fruits are excellent for fresh eating, jams, juices, cakes, or freezing. It pairs well with other berries or low plants like sage. It attracts 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 fruit quality, disease resistance, and high yield, popular in Europe and North America.

Pot diameter: 14 cm or 2 liters
Height including pot: approx. 40-70 cm (varies by season)

Garden or terrace plants are grown in unprotected spaces or with minimal protection (shade nets or hail nets). For this reason, naturally, they may not have perfect foliage – leaves may show marks, defects, or other damage. During the cold season, plants enter dormancy.