Arctic raspberries have been enriching our fruit-bearing range since 2025. However, this is not only about the fruit; the Arctic raspberry, or Rubus arcticus as it is known botanically, has other benefits as well. Over the years, the low-growing plants form a low carpet and the pink flowers radiate from afar. With the Arctic raspberries, we now have a new group of varieties with completely different uses than the usual representatives of the genus: Rubus – the raspberries and blackberries.
Botanical background knowledge
The common name for Rubus arcticus is Arctic raspberry. However, there are other synonyms such as dwarf raspberry, nectarberry, Arctic bramble or northern raspberry, some of which also point directly to the original distribution area. In North America, the name “Nagoonberry” is also common. This name goes back to the indigenous people.
Taxonomy
Various subspecies and variants of Arctic raspberry exist in addition to the main species, Rubus arcticus, depending on the region in which it is found. Some of these subspecies were previously listed as independent species. For example, Rubus arcticus subsp. stellatus (Sm.) B. Boivin or Rubus arcticus subsp. acaulis (Michx.) Focke. The variety Rubus arcticus var. stellarcticus originates from a Swedish cross between the pure species and the North American subspecies: supsp. stellatus.
Origin & distribution
The botanical name “arcticus” and many of the synonyms already indicate the origin and natural distribution of Arctic raspberries. In principle, Arctic raspberries – including their subspecies – are widespread in the northern hemisphere. The main distribution area here is in the subpolar climate zone. However, Arctic raspberries can also be found in China, Mongolia, on the Korean peninsula and in Japan. Arctic raspberries prefer moist locations such as moors, swamps or streams at the edges of fields and meadows.
Flower biology & fertilisation
Due to its flower colour, the Arctic raspberry is a fantastic ornamental plant. The intense pink to bright pink flowers are hermaphrodite – meaning that they have both male and female flower organs. Nevertheless, the Arctic raspberry is self-sterile, which indicates that the flowers cannot fertilise themselves. In order for the visually appealing blossoms to yield delicious berries, the Arctic raspberry must always rely on another gene pool for fertilisation, in our case, another variety.
The fruits of the Arctic raspberry
The English synonyms for the Arctic raspberry often include the terms raspberry and blackberry/bramble. But which of these names is correct? If you look at the taxonomic classification, neither is correct or incorrect. What is true is that Arctic raspberries, raspberries and blackberries all belong to the same genus – the genus “Rubus”. However, the genus “Rubus” comprises more than 500 species (or more, depending on the author). Arctic raspberries are therefore close relatives of both raspberries and blackberries. It is not so easy to classify raspberries or blackberries here.
However, if you take a closer look at the fruits, the classification becomes a little easier. Like all members of the genus “Rubus”, Arctic raspberries also form aggregate stone fruits. In raspberries, this aggregate fruit detaches from the bearing cone, while in blackberries the fruit is harvested together with the cone. And what about the Arctic raspberries? With Arctic raspberries, the cone remains inside the fruit. From this level of interpretation, the synonyms that refer to a blackberry are the more appropriate synonyms.
Arctic raspberries in the home garden
Let us now return our thoughts from the far north to the garden at home. How can an Arctic raspberry be used in the home garden? What is the right location? Is my garden soil even suitable for planting Arctic raspberries? These and other questions can be answered as far as possible by looking at the natural distribution area and the locations where Arctic raspberries grow.
Choice of location
Choosing the right location is crucial for Arctic raspberries. Arctic raspberries prefer a loose and humus-rich, slightly moist soil in a sunny to semi-shady location. A slightly acidic soil, such as a bog bed, is definitely an advantage, but not an absolute must, as is the case with blueberries. Arctic raspberries also do well in more calcareous soils. A location that is not too shady is much better for flowering and fruit development than a location in complete shade. The only important thing is that the location is always sufficiently moist, but not waterlogged.
Use & processing
In the garden, an Arctic raspberry is mainly used as a flowering and fruit-bearing ground cover. Arctic raspberries spread by runners, but are not particularly vigorous. For this reason, care should always be taken to keep a sufficient distance from other plants, and the Arctic raspberries' planting areas should always be free of weeds. If the Arctic raspberries do spread too much, they can be kept in check with a firm grip on the spade.
To ensure that the Arctic raspberries come into their own when planted over a large area in the garden, it is advisable to plant six or eight plants per square metre. Then the beautiful springtime blossoms will be particularly effective.
In the kitchen, the fruits of the Arctic raspberry can be used in many different ways, just like raspberries and blackberries. Everything is possible, from jam, jelly, juice or syrup to liqueur and fruit wine.
The fruits of the Arctic raspberry enjoy a very special reputation as being the European berry with the best taste. However, the taste is surprisingly difficult to describe and put into words. The fruits are sweet and also have a certain acidity and tanginess. Sometimes the flavour is compared to that of cranberries, sometimes to that of pineapple and other exotic fruits. As is so often the case, the truth probably lies somewhere in between. It's best to try it for yourself, freshly picked from your own plants.
Advantages of the Arctic raspberry at a glance
- Interesting ground cover
- Ornamental value due to the eye-catching flowers
- Fruits with excellent taste
- Absolutely hardy – even in unfavourable locations, altitudes or continental climates
- Bee pasture in the spring
The all-around berry assortment from Lubera Edibles
As we have now learned, two different varieties are required for cross-fertilisation and thus also for the fruit yield. We have therefore also included two varieties in our range that complement each other well. We present these varieties in more detail below. You can find detailed descriptions of the varieties in our young plant shop – click here for the Arctic raspberries!
Arctic raspberry 'Marika'
Picture: Arctic raspberry 'Marika'
Advantages of the Arctic raspberry 'Marika'
- Bee pasture
- Very hardy
- Robust & easy to care for
- Deciduous perennial
Profile of the Arctic raspberry 'Marika'
Growth: Flat-growing, deciduous ground cover, max. 30 cm tall, shrub-like growth, prefers moist, slightly acidic locations – also suitable for bog beds
Maturity/harvest: Flowers starting in May, ripens from June – requires a fertilisation partner
Fruit: Dark red fruit, typical Rubus cluster fruit with large druplets
Taste: Very aromatic fruits, very sweet in taste
Arctic raspberry 'Tarja'
Picture: Arctic raspberry 'Tarja'
Advantages of the Arctic raspberry 'Tarja'
- Extremely hardy
- Robust ground cover
- Pink flowers & edible fruits
- Attractive to insects
Profile of the Arctic raspberry 'Tarja'
Growth: Flat-growing, deciduous ground cover, max. 25 cm tall, shrub-like growth, prefers moist, slightly acidic locations – also suitable for bog beds
Maturity/harvest: Flowers starting in May, ripens from June – requires a fertilisation partner
Fruit: Dark red fruit, typical Rubus cluster fruit with large druplets
Taste: Very aromatic fruits, very balanced sweet-sour taste
