Dwarf Raspberry - Rubus idaeus Lowberry® 'Little Sweet Sister'® (organic cultivation)

Rubus idaeus Lowberry® 'Little Sweet Sister'® , also known as the 'Little Sweet Sister dwarf raspberry', is an everbearing raspberry cultivar of the Rosaceae family, developed by Lubera (Switzerland) as part of the Lowberry® series. This variety is renowned for its compact stature, early sweet fruit, and lack of thorns, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, balconies, or containers. It is one of the earliest fall raspberries, offering superior fruit quality and easy maintenance.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are pinnate, composed of 3-5 leaflets, medium green , with serrated edges, 3-8 cm. They are arranged alternately on the stems, with a slightly rough texture, and form a dense, healthy foliage.
• Flowers : The flowers are small, white, with a pinkish tinge, with 5 petals, grouped in racemes, appearing in April-May . They are self-fertile, attracting bees and bumblebees, and contributing to efficient pollination.
• Fruits : The fruits are medium to large (for a dwarf raspberry), round, dark red, shiny , with a juicy, intensely sweet pulp, with a fruity note and a fine acidity. They are ideal for fresh consumption, jams, juices, freezing or desserts. The harvest begins in July and continues until September-October , on annual shoots (primocanes).

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : It grows to 0.8-1 meter tall and 0.6-1 meter wide , making it a dwarf raspberry, perfect for small spaces. It has a compact, rounded habit, requiring no support.
• Vigor : Slow to moderate growth, with sturdy, thornless stems, which makes harvesting easier, especially for children. Forms limited, easily controlled clumps.
• Type : Deciduous, perennial shrub, fruiting on annual shoots, characteristic of remontant dragon trees.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for sweet, abundant fruit, but tolerates partial shade , ideal in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. A sheltered position is recommended.
• Soil : Requires fertile, well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-6.5), rich in organic matter. Soils that are too calcareous should be corrected with peat or compost.
• Watering : Water regularly , keeping the soil moist but not soggy. In containers, water every 5-7 days, more often during hot periods, checking the top 2-3 cm of soil.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 4-9 (down to -23°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Mulch the roots in winter in colder areas.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : Resistant to common dragon fruit diseases and pests, due to rigorous selection. Not resistant to deer or rabbits. Attracts pollinators such as bees and bumblebees.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in March-April , followed by a fertilizer high in potassium (e.g. 5-10-20) from April to August . Compost or organic fertilizers are ideal.
• Pruning : Cut all stems 5-10 cm from the ground in February-March , stimulating new shoots for the autumn harvest. Remove unwanted shoots to maintain a compact shape.
• Pests and Diseases : Rarely affected, but may attract mites or aphids. Inspect regularly and use insecticidal soap. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Propagation : Propagate by layering or root cuttings in spring.
• Support : Does not require trellis due to compact habit, but minimal support can help in containers for stability.

Use

Rubus idaeus Lowberry® 'Little Sweet Sister'® is ideal for small gardens , terraces , balconies or containers (minimum 30-50 litres). Its sweet fruits are perfect for fresh consumption, jams, juices, desserts or freezing (keeps for 2-3 days in the fridge). It combines well with other dwarf berries, such as Lowberry® 'Goodasgold' (yellow raspberry) or 'Little Black Prince' (blackberry), for an aesthetic and productive corner. It is suitable for amateur gardeners, thanks to its easy maintenance and decorative appearance.

Origin

Developed by Lubera (Switzerland) , Lowberry® 'Little Sweet Sister'® is part of the Lowberry® series, created for dwarf, thornless, quality fruit. It is one of the earliest remontant varieties, ripening 3 weeks before 'Autumn Bliss' or 'Autumn First', and is a bestseller due to its small size and taste.

Pot diameter: 13 cm
Height with pot included: approx. 35 cm

In the cold season the plants are shortened and leafless.