Creeping Raspberry

Creeping Raspberry (Rubus calycinoides)

Creeping Raspberry (Rubus calycinoides), also known as Crinkle-Leaf Creeping Raspberry or Rubus pentalobus, is a vigorous, ground-hugging evergreen shrub valued for its textured foliage, low-growing habit, and seasonal interest. Native to Taiwan, this spreading groundcover forms a dense mat of crinkled green leaves that turn bronze-purple in winter, offering year-round appeal in both ornamental and erosion-control plantings.

Distinctive Features

This plant typically grows just 6 to 12 inches tall but spreads several feet wide, rooting along the stems as it creeps. Its heavily wrinkled, lobed leaves resemble those of a miniature grapevine and provide bold texture. In late spring to early summer, it produces small white flowers followed by ornamental red fruits that resemble tiny raspberries. Though not typically grown for fruit production, the berries do attract birds and small wildlife.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Low to moderate once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in rock gardens or along retaining walls
• Groundcover for slopes, embankments, or erosion control
• Edging plant along walkways or garden paths
• Understory layer beneath open-canopy trees
• Container plantings with trailing ornamental texture

Low Maintenance Care

• Trim back runners in spring to control spread if needed
• Water regularly until established; then water during dry spells
• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce competition
• Prune lightly to remove dead or damaged foliage in late winter
• Resistant to deer and tolerant of light foot traffic

Why Choose Creeping Raspberry

• Unique, heavily textured foliage provides visual interest year-round
• Forms a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover
• Produces ornamental berries and delicate white blooms
• Excellent erosion control for slopes and banks
• A rugged, low-growing focal point for challenging landscape areas

Creeping Raspberry offers bold foliage texture, spreading coverage, and seasonal beauty�making it a durable and attractive focal point for slopes, borders, and naturalistic groundcover designs.