Zmeur remontant aromat si productiv - Rubus idaeus 'Himbo Top'

Rubus idaeus 'Himbo Top' is a remontant raspberry cultivar from the Rosaceae family, renowned for its large, red fruits and intense aroma. Developed in Switzerland by crossing the 'Autumn Bliss' and 'Himbo-Queen' varieties, it is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, or large pots due to its high yield and disease resistance. Its fruits are perfect 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, dark green, with a slightly rough and coarse texture. The foliage is deciduous, falling in winter, and forms a dense background for the fruits.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, white, with 5 petals, grouped in clusters, appearing from May to July. They attract pollinators, especially bees.
• Fruits: The fruits are compound drupes, large (6-8 g), bright red, conical in shape, firm and glossy. They have a sweet taste with a slightly tart note, aromatic and intense. The main harvest begins in August and continues until frost (October-November), with a second possible harvest in summer on the previous year's canes.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Reaches 1.5-2 m in height and 1-1.5 m in width, forming an upright shrub with thorny, branched stems that require support (trellis or fence).
• Vigor: Fast growth, with vigorous stems and few shoots, reducing the need for thinning. It is productive, yielding up to 5 kg of fruit per bush.
• Type: Deciduous perennial shrub, remontant, with double annual production.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun (6-8 hours/day) for maximum fruiting. Tolerates partial shade but produces fewer fruits.
• Soil: Grows in fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). 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 -23°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Mulch the roots in winter for extra protection.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Resistant to root and stem diseases as well as cold. May be affected by aphids or mites; treat with insecticidal soap. Tolerates moderate drought and wind.
• Fertilizing: Apply an organic fertilizer (e.g., compost) in spring and a potassium-rich fertilizer in summer for fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
• Pruning: For a single large harvest (autumn), cut all stems to 10 cm above ground after harvest or early spring. For double harvests, prune only the fruiting stems, keeping the new ones. Remove weak 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.

'Himbo Top' raspberry is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, hedges, or large pots. Its large, sweet fruits are excellent for fresh eating, jams, juices, cakes, or freezing. It pairs well with other berries or low plants like lavender and attracts pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Rubus idaeus is native to Europe and Asia. The 'Himbo Top' raspberry cultivar, developed in Switzerland by Peter Hauenstein, is a cross between 'Autumn Bliss' and 'Himbo-Queen', selected for large fruits, intense aroma, and disease resistance.

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.