How to grow Native Raspberry in Australia
Several Australian raspberries are grown for their bright red, tangy berries. Atherton raspberry (Rubus probus) is a vigorous rainforest scrambler from coastal Queensland with fruit that tastes sharper and stronger than the familiar raspberry. In the south, the native raspberry Rubus parvifolius is the usual choice. Both have prickly canes and spread readily, so give them room or a frame and keep them pruned.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Native Raspberry in Australia
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Marginal. Atherton raspberry (Rubus probus) is a Queensland rainforest plant, so grow it in a warm, sheltered spot. The native raspberry of southern gardens is Rubus parvifolius. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to September | |
| Perth & WA | March to September | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September to November | Atherton raspberry (Rubus probus) is a Queensland rainforest plant and untested in Tasmanian frosts. The local native raspberry, Rubus parvifolius, is the safer choice. Plant Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. |
| Canberra & ACT | October and November | Atherton raspberry (Rubus probus) is a Queensland rainforest plant and untested in Canberra frosts, so plant it Oct to Nov in the most sheltered spot. Rubus parvifolius, the native raspberry of south eastern Australia, is the hardier choice. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Native raspberry prefers cooler tropical months. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Native raspberry prefers cooler tropical months. |
Where to plant
Plant native raspberries in sun or part shade in well-drained soil that holds steady moisture. Dig in compost before planting and mulch to keep the roots cool. They need adequate water to crop well.
These are scrambling, prickly plants. Atherton raspberry in particular is a rampant grower that can form a dense thicket if left alone, so it suits a larger garden, a fence line or a frame where you can reach it to prune and pick.
- South East Queensland and the Northern Rivers: Atherton raspberry grows naturally along the Queensland coast and suits a sunny to part-shaded spot here.
- Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart: grow a frost-hardy southern native raspberry such as Rubus parvifolius, which suits cool gullies and moist, sheltered spots.
- Sydney, Adelaide and Perth: plant in autumn to spring in part shade with mulch and steady summer water.
- North Queensland and Darwin: plant in the dry season, May to September, and water through to the rains. Plants prefer the cooler months.
Choosing a variety
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Atherton raspberry (Rubus probus) | Native to coastal Queensland rainforest. Vigorous, prickly canes; large, juicy red fruit with a sharp, strong raspberry flavour. White flowers in spring and summer |
| Native raspberry (Rubus parvifolius) | Native across much of eastern and southern Australia, including Victoria and Tasmania, and also eastern Asia. Arching, prickly canes, pink flowers and smaller red fruit eaten fresh or in jam |
Buy plants from a native or bush food nursery that names the species, so you get one suited to your climate.
How to plant
- Dig compost into a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot and water in well.
- Put up a frame, trellis or fence wire for the canes to scramble over.
- Mulch thickly, and keep the area weed free while the plant establishes.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly while plants establish and through flowering and fruiting, and in dry spells. Mulch keeps the soil cool and moist.
Feed lightly in the warm months with a low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser or compost.
Pruning and care through the year
- Wear gloves: the canes are prickly.
- Prune after fruiting, cutting out old, spent canes to make way for fresh growth, and tie the new canes onto the frame.
- Cut back canes that wander beyond the bed. Regular pruning keeps the plant to a manageable size.
- Net plants when fruit is ripening if birds are taking it.
Harvesting
Pick berries when they are fully red and pull free with a gentle tug. Ripe fruit is soft and does not last long on the plant, so pick every day or two in season.
Fresh berries keep only 2 to 3 days in the fridge but freeze well.
Growing in pots
A native raspberry can be grown in a large pot at least 40 cm wide with a frame or obelisk for the canes. Use a free-draining native potting mix, water regularly and prune hard after fruiting to keep it tidy.
Using it
Eat the berries fresh, add them to desserts and fruit salads, or cook them into jam and sauces. Atherton raspberry has a stronger, sharper flavour than the common raspberry.
Propagation
Native raspberries grow from seed without special treatment, though germination can be slow. Cuttings of firm, current season's growth also strike.
Companion planting
Native raspberries suit a bush food garden or a native planting, where their spreading habit can be given room.
Good companions
- Native plants Local native shrubs and groundcovers share the same low-phosphorus care, and native flowers bring in the insects that pollinate the berries.
Pests and diseases
Native raspberries have few pest or disease problems. Birds are the main competition for the fruit.
Pests to watch for
- Birds Ripe berries disappearing as they colour. Net the plants in fruiting season.
Native Raspberry is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Are native raspberries edible?
Yes. Atherton raspberry and native raspberry both have edible red berries. Atherton raspberry has a sharp, strong raspberry flavour, stronger than the common raspberry.
Do native raspberries have thorns?
Yes. Both Atherton raspberry and Rubus parvifolius have prickly canes, so wear gloves when pruning and picking.
Will native raspberry take over my garden?
Atherton raspberry is a rampant grower that can form thickets if left alone. Give it a frame or fence, prune it regularly and cut back canes that wander.
When do native raspberries fruit?
It depends on the species and region. In its home range Atherton raspberry flowers and fruits over a long season, roughly from autumn through to early summer. Pick the berries when they are fully red and soft.
Can I grow native raspberry in a pot?
Yes, in a large pot at least 40 cm wide with a frame for the canes, free-draining mix and regular watering. Prune after fruiting to keep it compact.
Which native raspberry should I grow in Melbourne or Hobart?
Choose a cold-hardy southern species, such as Rubus parvifolius, from a native nursery. Atherton raspberry comes from coastal Queensland and suits warmer gardens.
Sources we checked: Australian Native Plants Society (Australia): Rubus probus; Wikipedia: Rubus probus (Atherton raspberry), citing Queensland herbarium and Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants records; Wikipedia: Rubus parvifolius (native raspberry), citing PlantNET and VicFlora.