Willamette Raspberry
Willamette Raspberry (Rubus idaeus var. strigosus 'Willamette')
Willamette Raspberry (Rubus idaeus var. strigosus 'Willamette') is a vigorous, early-bearing red raspberry variety known for its high yields, excellent flavor, and reliability in cooler climates. A favorite among home growers and commercial producers alike, it offers a robust summer harvest and strong disease resistance, making it a dependable choice for backyard berry patches and small farms.
Distinctive Features
This upright, multi-stemmed shrub grows 4 to 6 feet tall and spreads by suckering canes. It produces large, conical red berries with a rich, tangy-sweet flavor ideal for fresh eating, preserves, and baking. Willamette is a floricane-fruiting variety, meaning it produces fruit on second-year canes with a concentrated early summer crop. The canes are thorny and sturdy, requiring minimal support in most conditions.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained, organically rich loam or sandy soils
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers even moisture during fruit set
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Ideal Uses
- Focal point in home orchards or berry gardens
- Early-season harvests for fresh markets or preservation
- Productive hedge or row in edible landscapes
- U-pick farms or backyard family fruit patches
- Pollinator gardens with seasonal fruit appeal
Low Maintenance Care
- Remove spent floricanes after harvest to encourage new growth
- Mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fruit fertilizer
- Monitor for cane borers and fungal diseases in humid areas
- Train or loosely support for best air circulation and harvest access
Why Choose Willamette Raspberry
- Early-season berries with rich, tangy flavor
- High yields and excellent cold tolerance
- Reliable performer for home and small-scale growers
- Great for fresh eating, jam, and freezing
- A productive and flavorful focal point for summer berry harvests
Willamette Raspberry offers early, abundant, and flavorful berries on a rugged, easy-to-manage plant�making it a classic focal point for berry lovers and edible gardeners alike.
OUR SIZING
Not sure what 2 inch B&B or 30 Gallon Clump really means? This guide breaks down all our plant size terms so you know exactly what to expect, whether you're ordering online or picking up at our nursery. From caliper measurements to container volumes, we've decoded our system to help you shop with confidence.
Plant Detectives Shipping Guide
Nationwide plant shipping made easy. Learn how we ship trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. No order too big or too small. Fast, careful, and contractor-friendly.