Rubus x neglectus
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. A group of natural and artificial hybrids, R. occidentalis x R. idaeus strigosus, they are often cultivated for their edible fruit. This species is a raspberry with biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock, these stems fruit in their second year and then die. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year. This is a hybrid species and will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked and used in pies, preserves etc.
Material uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Habitat
A naturally occurring hybrid, R. occidentalis x R. idaeus strigosus. It grows wild in dry or rocky soils.
Native range
Eastern N. America - Vermont to Ontario, Pennsylvania and Ohio.