Raspberry Rubus idaeus 'Glen Doll' (PBR) (F)
ABOUT
The Rubus idaeus 'Glen Doll' is a variety of red raspberry known for its appealing aesthetic and fruit-bearing qualities. The plant typically features multiple canes that bear both leaves and fruit. These canes are usually sturdy and upright, enabling the plant to support the weight of its produce. The raspberries themselves are easily recognizable by their aggregate of small drupelets, each contributing to the conical shape of the ripe berry. The berries display an alluring red hue when mature and are known for their juicy texture and sweet, tangy flavor. The leaves of the 'Glen Doll' raspberry plant are compound, consisting of several leaflets with serrated margins. These leaves exhibit a vibrant green color, which contrasts nicely with the berries and the plant's brownish stems. Overall, the plant has a bushy, robust appearance, with its fruiting canes and lush foliage combining to create an attractive presence in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Glen Doll Raspberry
Common names
Rubus idaeus 'Glen Doll' (PBR) (F).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as raspberry, typically does not pose a risk of toxicity to humans when ingested. Its fruits are widely consumed and are not toxic. There are no well-documented toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning from ingesting the leaves or other parts of the raspberry plant for humans.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, the raspberry plant is not considered toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning in pets such as dogs or cats. Consequently, ingesting parts of the raspberry plant, including the fruit, should not result in any harmful consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: Produces delicious raspberries that can be eaten fresh, used in cooking, or preserved for later use.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while birds enjoy the fruit.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant adds beauty to gardens with its attractive foliage and fruit.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest across multiple seasons with flowers in spring and fruit in summer.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being hardy and relatively easy to care for in the right conditions.
- Perennial Growth: Comes back year after year, providing a long-term addition to gardens.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Raspberry leaves and fruit are known to contain antioxidants which can help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may have anti-inflammatory properties which may help in reducing inflammation.
- Gastrointestinal Relief: Raspberry leaf tea has traditionally been used to aid digestion and treat gastrointestinal disorders.
- Antiviral: Some studies suggest that the plant has antiviral properties, particularly against certain strains of the herpes virus.
- Astringent: The leaves possess astringent qualities and have been used in herbal medicine for this purpose.
- Menstrual Symptom Relief: Raspberry leaves are popularly used to address menstrual cramps and other premenstrual symptoms.
- Labour Preparation: Historically, raspberry leaf tea was consumed by pregnant women in their third trimester to help prepare the uterus for labor, although its efficacy and safety are subjects of ongoing research and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The canes of Glen Doll raspberry plants can be woven into baskets and other crafts due to their flexibility and strength when dried.
- Young shoots of raspberries can be eaten as a spring vegetable, similar to asparagus, though this is less common and should be done with care to avoid prickles.
- Raspberry plants can provide habitat and support for beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees in the garden, enhancing pollination for other plants.
- The fruit can be used to naturally color and flavor homemade cosmetics such as lip balms and soaps.
- The vibrant color of raspberry fruit makes it an excellent dye for fabrics and yarns when seeking natural dyeing methods.
- Raspberry leaves, when dried, can be used to create a fragrant potpourri or herbal sachets to freshen drawers and wardrobes.
- Fallen raspberry leaves can be added to compost heaps as a green compost material that enriches the soil as they decompose.
- Glen Doll raspberry plants can be used as part of a natural fence or border in landscaping, providing both a barrier and an aesthetic appeal.
- The mature plants can act as erosion control on slopes due to their root system that holds soil in place.
- Raspberry bushes can be used in garden designs to create diverse layers of height, contributing to the structure and depth of garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe raspberry plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe raspberry plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Rubus idaeus, commonly known as raspberry, has thorny branches that have historically been associated with protection and as a means to ward off negative energies.
- Fertility: Since raspberry plants are known for their abundant fruit production, they symbolize fertility and abundance.
- Kindness: The sweet fruit of the raspberry plant, despite its protective thorns, can be seen as a symbol of kindness—reminding us of the rewards and benefits of kind acts.
- Innocence: The delicate nature of raspberry fruit, often seen in their soft texture and bright color, may symbolize purity or innocence.
- Regeneration: As a perennial that returns year after year, raspberries can represent regeneration and the cyclic nature of life.
WaterRaspberry 'Glen Doll' (F) requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, with roughly 1 to 2 gallons of water each time. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, water the plant more frequently to maintain soil moisture, while in cooler, wetter weather, reduce the frequency. Ensuring adequate drainage is key to prevent root rot.
LightRaspberry 'Glen Doll' (F) thrives in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for the plant would be in a location where it can get unobstructed sun throughout the day, preferably morning sun, which is less intense than the afternoon sun.
TemperatureRaspberry 'Glen Doll' (F) can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in colder climates, but it flourishes when the temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around -20°F and maximum summer temperatures as high as 85°F to 90°F, as long as the plants are well-watered during hot spells.
PruningRaspberry 'Glen Doll' (F) needs annual pruning to remove dead canes and to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant, removing all dead and damaged canes at ground level. Also, thin the canes to allow adequate air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. The best time for pruning is after the last frost but before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRaspberry 'Glen Doll' thrives in a well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand. Add compost for nutrients. Ideal pH is slightly acidic, between 5.6 and 6.5.
RepottingRaspberry 'Glen Doll' raspberries, typically grown outdoors, do not require repotting. Instead, they may be propagated by division every few years if needed.
Humidity & MistingRaspberry 'Glen Doll' prefers outdoor conditions, with ambient humidity being sufficient. Excess humidity can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full light, cool temps, and ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, mulch, and ensure space for spread.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Rubus idaeus 'Glen Doll', commonly known as the 'Glen Doll' raspberry, initiates its life cycle when a seed from the ripe fruit is dispersed and germinates in suitable soil conditions. In the first year, vegetative growth predominates with the development of the biennial cane, known as a primocane, which establishes a root system and foliage. During the second year, the primocane transitions into a floricanes, producing flowering lateral branches that will bear the fruit. After the fruiting period during the summer months, the floricane completes its life cycle and dies back, while new primocanes develop from the perennial root system to ensure next season's growth. The 'Glen Doll' raspberry plant enters a period of dormancy in late autumn and winter, conserving energy for the following spring. The plant's life can continue for many years through this cyclic process of cane renewal and seasonal growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the raspberry plant Rubus idaeus 'Glen Doll' (PBR) (F) is through the division of root cuttings. This typically takes place in the late fall after the plant has become dormant or in the early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by this method, a section of roots about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long is cut from a healthy, mature raspberry plant. These root cuttings are then planted horizontally, about 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep in a well-prepared nursery bed or directly into their permanent location in the garden. The soil should be kept consistently moist until new shoots emerge, signaling successful root establishment.
