Tulameen Raspberry Rubus idaeus 'Tulameen' (F)
ABOUT
Rubus idaeus 'Tulameen', commonly known as the raspberry 'Tulameen', is renowned for its glossy, bright red berries that are plump and boast a conical shape. The fruit is borne on upright, thorny canes which exhibit a mix of green and some reddish hue, especially as they mature. The foliage of 'Tulameen' is made up of compound leaves; each leaf usually comprises three to five leaflets that are medium to dark green in color and have a serrated margin. In springtime, the raspberry plant produces numerous white, five-petaled flowers that are a precursor to the luscious fruit. The blooms are a focus for pollinators and signal the coming fruit season. The overall appearance of 'Tulameen' is that of a robust, high yielding raspberry variety with an inviting presence for gardeners and fruit enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Tulameen Raspberry, Red Raspberry, European Raspberry, American Raspberry.
Common names
Rubus idaeus 'Tulameen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Raspberry 'Tulameen' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit of the raspberry plant is commonly consumed, and other parts like the leaves are used for medicinal purposes, such as herbal teas. Therefore, there are typically no adverse effects from consuming the ripe fruit or other parts of the plant in moderate amounts. However, ingesting large quantities of leaves might cause stomach upset in sensitive individuals due to tannins and other compounds.
To pets
Raspberry 'Tulameen' is not known to be toxic to pets. The fruit of the raspberry plant is safe for pets like dogs and cats to eat in moderation. However, pets should not consume large amounts of any non-traditional food, including raspberry leaves or stems, as this could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. But generally, the plant is considered pet-friendly, and there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this raspberry variety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Delicious Fruit: Rubus idaeus 'Tulameen' is known for its sweet, flavorful berries which are a favorite for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Nutritional Value: The berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to the diet.
- Attractive to Wildlife: The plant's flowers provide nectar for bees, while the fruit attracts birds and other wildlife to the garden.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its lush green foliage and attractive fruit, this raspberry variety can add beauty to a garden or landscape.
- Low-Maintenance: Once established, Rubus idaeus 'Tulameen' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep.
- Repeated Harvest: This cultivar is often praised for its long fruiting season, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the summer months.
- Adaptable: It can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining, making it suitable for many garden settings.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Raspberry fruit and leaves contain antioxidants that help to eliminate free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: The components in raspberries can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Gastrointestinal health: Raspberry leaves have been traditionally used to soothe the digestive system.
- Menstrual relief: Raspberry leaf tea is commonly recommended for regulating menstrual cycles and reducing menstrual cramps.
- Cardiovascular support: The potassium in raspberries can help maintain a healthy blood pressure and support heart health.
- Immune system boost: Raspberries are rich in vitamins C and E, which are essential for a healthy immune system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The fruit of the raspberry plant can be used to create a natural dye for coloring fabrics or artwork, producing shades of pink and purple.
- Leaf tea: Raspberry leaves can be dried and used to make a tea which, despite not being used for its medicinal properties, can provide a mild flavor enjoyed by tea enthusiasts.
- Flavoring agent: The fruit is often used in the culinary arts as a flavoring agent for pastries, ice creams, and other desserts due to its strong, sweet flavor.
- Educational resource: Raspberry plants can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth cycles, pollination, and fruit production.
- Erosion control: The raspberry plant's root system can help in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in garden settings.
- Backyard wildlife habitat: Raspberry bushes can provide shelter and food for various birds and beneficial insects in a backyard or garden.
- Craft ingredients: Raspberries can be used as a component in homemade crafts, such as in the creation of fruit-based inks or paints.
- Fruit leather: Raspberries can be pureed and dried to make fruit leather, a natural snack that's not solely focused on any health benefits.
- Culinary garnish: The berries as well as the leaves can serve as an attractive garnish on plates, adding color and a touch of elegance to meals.
- Photography subject: The vibrant color and delicate structure of raspberry plants make them an excellent subject for nature and macro photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe raspberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe raspberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The Rubus idaeus 'Tulameen', commonly known as the raspberry plant, has been associated with protection due to its thorny branches, which historically were believed to ward off evil spirits and negativity.
- Fertility and Abundance: Raspberries are prolific fruit bearers, and the plant has thus come to symbolize fertility and abundance, representing a bountiful harvest or the idea of fruitfulness in various aspects of life.
- Sweetness and Pleasure: With their sweet and delectable fruit, raspberry plants are often related to the themes of sweetness and pleasure, celebrating the enjoyable moments and the sweetness life has to offer.
- Kindness: Offering someone raspberries can be seen as a gesture of kindness, symbolizing thoughtfulness and generosity.
- Youthfulness: The bright red color and the association with vibrant, summertime energy link the raspberry plant to youthfulness and the vigor of life.
WaterRaspberry plants, including the 'Tulameen' variety, require regular watering to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. During the hotter, drier periods, increase water to twice or thrice a week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage which could lead to fungal diseases. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall; scale back watering if there's significant rain. Ensure that the plant receives around 1 gallon of water per week under normal weather conditions.
LightRaspberries, including the 'Tulameen' variety, thrive in full sunlight. They require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal fruit production. A spot that provides morning sunlight is ideal as it helps dry dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of disease. Avoid planting them in areas that are shaded for most of the day.
TemperatureRaspberry plants, such as 'Tulameen,' grow best in temperate regions. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 0°F but may require protection if temperatures drop further. The ideal growing temperature range for raspberries is between 70°F and 75°F. They can tolerate heat up to about 85°F, but consistently higher temperatures, especially when coupled with humidity, can stress the plant and affect fruit quality.
PruningPruning raspberry plants, including 'Tulameen,' is crucial for health and fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased canes, as well as weak or thin canes, leaving the most vigorous ones. Thin the canes to about 6 inches apart to allow for light penetration and air circulation. 'Tulameen' is a floricane raspberry, so prune the canes that bore fruit last season to ground level, as they won't fruit again.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRaspberry 'Tulameen' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of loam, peat moss, and well-rotted manure or compost can provide the necessary nutrients and structure. Mulching with organic matter helps maintain soil moisture and health.
RepottingRaspberry 'Tulameen' is typically grown outdoors and does not require repotting. Instead, these perennial bushes are rejuvenated by pruning and dividing every few years to maintain vigor and production.
Humidity & MistingRaspberry 'Tulameen' can tolerate a range of humidity levels but prefers an environment that is not too humid to prevent fungal diseases. Adequate air circulation around the plants can help maintain optimal humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Raspberry 'Tulameen' in large containers, rich soil, ample light.
Outdoor
Plant Raspberry 'Tulameen' in sunny, well-drained spot, mulch, support canes.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Tulameen' raspberry (Rubus idaeus 'Tulameen') begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges as a seedling. It then enters the vegetative growth stage, where it develops a root system, stems, and leaves, gradually becoming an established plant. During the second year of growth, floricanes, or second-year canes, produce flowers that are pollinated and turn into fruit, the raspberries, during the late spring and summer months. After fruiting, the floricanes die back, and new primocanes, or first-year canes, grow to produce fruit the following year. Throughout the plant's life cycle, it also spreads vegetatively through suckers, producing new plants nearby. The plant continues this biennial bearing cycle throughout its lifespan, which can extend for many years with proper care and management.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The 'Tulameen' raspberry, a variety of Rubus idaeus, is most popularly propagated using tip layering. This involves bending a healthy, living cane to the ground, usually in late summer or early fall. The tip is buried in the soil to a depth of a few inches (approximately 2-4 inches or 5-10 centimeters), ensuring that the tip is pointing upward. Over time, the buried tip will develop roots while still attached to the parent plant. Once rooted and showing signs of growth, the new plant can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to a desired location. This method harnesses the raspberry's natural tendency to propagate itself and is fairly uncomplicated and successful way to expand your raspberry cultivation.
