Raspberry Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel' (F)
ABOUT
The Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', more commonly known as the raspberry 'Malling Jewel', is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its attractive and edible fruit. This variety features multiple canes that grow from the base, which are typically covered with small thorns that assist the plant in supporting itself as it grows. These canes are green when young but turn woody and brown with age. The leaves of the raspberry 'Malling Jewel' are pinnate with a distinctive deep green color, having three to five leaflets per leaf. Each leaflet is slightly serrated along the edges, which gives them a textured appearance. During the flowering period, the plant produces a number of small, white flowers that are composed of five petals each. These flowers are most often pollinated by bees and later give way to the fruit. The fruit for which the plant is most celebrated is typically a bright red berry, although the color can vary slightly depending on the exact conditions the plant is grown in. The berries are composed of many small drupelets that are clustered tightly together, forming the characteristic conical shape of the raspberry. The raspberries offer a sweet yet slightly tart flavor and are known for their juiciness, which makes them highly desirable both for fresh consumption and for use in jams, desserts, and other culinary applications. These berries are not only tasty but also carry nutritional value, being rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The 'Malling Jewel' raspberry is praised for its excellent flavor and good shelf life, making it a popular choice for gardeners and commercial growers alike. Overall, the raspberry 'Malling Jewel' plant with its fruiting canes, green textured leaves, delicate white flowers, and lusciously red berries, is a delight to both the eye and the palate. It's prized in gardens and farms for its generous yield of tasty fruits.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Red Raspberry, European Raspberry, Wild Raspberry
Common names
Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel' (F).
ToxicityTo humans
Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', commonly known as raspberry, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, raspberries are widely consumed as food, and the plant is cultivated for its fruit. There are no well-documented toxic effects from eating raspberries or parts of this plant. However, it is always advisable to consume plants from trusted sources to avoid any potential contamination with pesticides or herbicides.
To pets
Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', known commonly as raspberry, is also not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. The fruit is often eaten by animals in the wild and can be consumed by pets without causing harm. As with humans, there are no recognized toxic substances in raspberries that would cause poisoning in pets. It's important, though, to introduce any new food to a pet's diet gradually and in moderation to avoid potential digestive upset.
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- Produces fruit: Raspberry 'Malling Jewel' is known for bearing sweet, red raspberries that can be eaten fresh, used in cooking or baking, or preserved.
- Attractive to wildlife: The berries attract birds and other wildlife, which can be beneficial for biodiversity in gardens and wild areas.
- Ease of care: This variety of raspberry is relatively easy to grow and hardy in a variety of climates, making it accessible for many gardeners.
- Decorative: Raspberry plants can add aesthetic value to gardens with their fruit and seasonal foliage changes.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial plant, it comes back year after year without the need for replanting, offering a sustained presence in a garden or orchard.
- Pollinator-friendly: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Adaptable: The 'Malling Jewel' can grow in a range of soil types, as long as there is good drainage and moderate fertility.
- Can be trained and pruned: It is amenable to training and pruning, allowing gardeners to manage the plant's shape and size for space and productivity.
- Provides seasonal interest: Raspberry plants have a growth cycle that includes flowering, fruiting, and autumn foliage, offering visual interest throughout the growing season.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant properties: The fruit of Rubus idaeus, commonly known as Raspberry, contains high levels of antioxidants which are believed to help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The leaves and fruits have compounds that may provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Gastrointestinal aid: Raspberry leaves have been traditionally used to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
- Menstrual relief: Raspberry leaf has been used traditionally to alleviate menstrual discomfort.
- Glycemic control: Components in raspberries may help in managing blood sugar levels, although clinical evidence is limited.
- Cardiovascular support: The fiber and polyphenol content in raspberries can contribute to cardiovascular health.
- Immune system support: The vitamin C and other antioxidants in raspberries may support the immune system.
- Vitamins and minerals: Raspberries provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', commonly known as raspberry, can be used to craft natural dyes for fabrics and textiles due to its pigmented juice.
- Its canes, when dried and treated, may be woven into baskets or used in wickerwork for decorative or functional items.
- Raspberry leaves can be infused into oils to make natural scented candles, offering a subtle fruity aroma when burned.
- The plant can also serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as some insects dislike the scent of raspberry leaves.
- Raspberry plants provide valuable habitat and food for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, aiding in the conservation of local ecosystems.
- When pruned, the excess plant material can be used as a mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- The fruit residue from jam-making can be repurposed into compost as a soil amendment to nourish garden plants.
- The dried fruit of raspberry can be used in potpourri blends to add a pleasant fruity scent to rooms.
- It can act as a flavoring agent in homemade lip balms and glosses, giving a natural berry flavor and slight tint.
- Raspberry canes can be used as garden stakes for supporting other plants, providing a use for pruned canes that might otherwise be discarded.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRaspberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRaspberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The thorny canes of raspberry plants, including the Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', have historically been thought to symbolize protection, serving as a deterrence to negative forces and pests.
- Fertility and Abundance: Raspberry plants are often associated with fertility and abundance due to their plentiful and succulent fruit, representing life's sweetness and fruitfulness.
- Kindness: The nurturing nature required to cultivate raspberries, along with the plant's bountiful yield, also symbolizes kindness and generosity.
- Innocence and Purity: Raspberries have been linked to purity and innocence in some folklore tales, where their bright red berries evoke a sense of gentle simplicity and wholesomeness.
WaterFor the raspberry plant Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel', it is best to water deeply about once a week with one to two gallons per plant, depending on the soil moisture and weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the root zone. In well-drained soil, raspberries require consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. During the fruiting season, adequate water is crucial for berry development, but reduce watering after harvest to prepare the plants for dormancy.
LightRaspberries like Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel' thrive in full sun, which means they should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting raspberries is in a location where they can bask in uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. Avoiding shaded areas will reduce the risk of disease and promote maximum yield.
TemperatureThe raspberry plant Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel' prefers a temperate climate with a winter chill for dormancy. It can survive winter temperatures down to around 20°F but is best grown in regions with temperatures that do not frequently drop below this point. The ideal temperature range for growing raspberries is between 55°F and 75°F during the growing season. Excessive heat above 85°F may stress the plants and affect fruit quality.
PruningPruning raspberry plants like Rubus idaeus 'Malling Jewel' is important for plant health and fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing all dead, damaged, or diseased canes. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation, which reduces disease risk. After fruiting, remove the spent canes to allow room for new growth that will produce fruit the following year. Prune annually for the best yield.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRaspberry 'Malling Jewel' thrives best in a soil mix with good drainage, rich in organic matter, and a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat moss is ideal, ensuring fertility and moisture retention.
RepottingRaspberry 'Malling Jewel' is typically not repotted since it's grown outdoor, but can be transplanted in early spring every 3-4 years if needed to rejuvenate or manage the size of the plants.
Humidity & MistingRaspberry 'Malling Jewel' does well in moderate to high humidity levels, though being versatile, it tolerates a range of conditions; aim for 40-70% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 18” apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Malling Jewel' raspberry begins its life as a seed, but commercial cultivation typically starts with planting of root cuttings or nursery-grown canes. Once planted, the canes sprout and establish a root system, developing into first-year non-fruiting canes called primocanes. During their second year, these canes become floricanes, producing buds that bloom into flowers and subsequently into the familiar red raspberries. After fruiting, the floricanes die back, and new primocanes will emerge to continue the cycle. The plant is perennial with its root system, but individual canes are biennial. In colder climates, the plant undergoes dormancy in winter, resuming growth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method for propagating the red raspberry, specifically the 'Malling Jewel' variety, is by taking cuttings from the plant, particularly tip layering. This process is typically done in late summer or early autumn. To propagate by tip layering, a long cane is chosen and the tip is buried in the ground about 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) deep. The buried tip will establish roots while still attached to the parent plant and by next spring, the tip will have grown into a new plant. It can then be severed from the main plant and transplanted to a new location where it will grow into a full raspberry bush over the course of the growing season.
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