Creeping Raspberry

Creeping Raspberry (Rubus calycinoides)

Creeping Raspberry is a durable, evergreen groundcover with quilted, glossy leaves that form a dense mat; bronze to burgundy winter tints, small white spring flowers, and occasional orange-red berries add multi-season interest on slopes, between pavers, and over walls.

Distinctive Features

Textured, leathery foliage hugs the ground for a tidy, weed-suppressing carpet; heat and drought tolerance make it a low-care alternative to lawn in sunny to lightly shaded sites.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color and density with at least 4 to 6 hours of sun.
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy soil enriched with organic matter; avoid waterlogged sites.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment; afterward, water deeply but infrequently in prolonged dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 9 (may succeed in 6 with protection).
• Mature Size: 2 to 4 in tall, spreading 3 to 6 ft or more.
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer, with sporadic berry set.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.2.

Ideal Uses

• Groundcover: Dense, weed-suppressing carpet for open beds and under light-canopy trees.
• Slope Stabilization: Fibrous rooting helps knit banks and control erosion.
• Between Pavers: Tough foliage tolerates light foot traffic and heat.
• Wall and Container Spill: Trails attractively over edges for layered texture.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water weekly the first season; once established, irrigate during extended drought only.
• Pruning: Shear or edge in late winter or after flowering to contain spread and refresh growth.
• Fertilizing: Light spring feeding with a balanced fertilizer if growth is slow; avoid overfeeding.
• Mulching: 1 to 2 in of fine bark or gravel to conserve moisture and limit weeds without burying crowns.
• Notes: Generally deer-resistant and tolerant of heat and brief drought; allow room to spread and avoid soggy soils.

Why Choose Creeping Raspberry?

• Evergreen Texture: Quilted foliage delivers year-round structure with winter color.
• Rugged Groundcover: Handles sun, heat, and light foot traffic once established.
• Erosion Control: Spreading habit stabilizes slopes and banks.
• Low Upkeep: Minimal water and occasional edging keep it looking crisp.

Plant Creeping Raspberry in sunny, well-drained soil and give it room to roam for a tough, ornamental carpet with four-season appeal.