Species

Rubus idaeusRaspberry

6 other cultivars

shrub

Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry

Rubus idaeus 'Nr7'

Same species

Species

Rubus idaeusRaspberry

6 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial shrub

Native To

Cultivated origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Rubus idaeus, the red raspberry, is a deciduous shrub grown for its delicious aggregate fruit. Canes are typically biennial, growing vegetatively one year (primocanes) and fruiting the next (floricanes). 'NR7' (Raspberry Shortcake®) is a revolutionary thornless, dwarf raspberry that fruits on first-year wood (primocane-fruiting). Its compact, rounded habit requires no staking, making it perfect for containers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This raspberry's compact, mounding habit and lush green foliage make it an attractive plant for borders or containers, unlike traditional sprawling raspberry canes. It offers ornamental value beyond just its fruit.

Its primary benefit is producing delicious, sweet raspberries on a thornless, dwarf plant that requires no staking. This makes it incredibly easy to grow on a patio or in a small garden and safe for children to harvest.

The white flowers that precede the fruit are an excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, aiding pollination throughout the garden. The fruit is also enjoyed by birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny spot with rich, well-drained, acidic soil.
For containers, use a pot at least 20 inches wide with drainage holes.
Amend garden soil with ample compost or organic matter.
Plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot.
Water well and apply a layer of organic mulch.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during fruiting.

Pro Tip

In late winter, prune all canes back to the ground. New canes will emerge and produce fruit the same summer.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, about 1-2 inches per week.
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer for fruit.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant in a location with good air circulation.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out, especially when berries are forming.
Avoid planting near wild brambles, which can spread disease.
Do not plant in poorly drained soil, which causes root rot.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaves over fruit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible patio container plantLow, thornless hedge for a children's gardenMixed border edible landscape feature

Companion Plants

Marigold Garlic Nasturtium Chives

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry questions

What zones can Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry grow in?

Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry bloom?

Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry need full sun?

Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.