Raspberry ‘Heritage’ (Rubus idaeus) is a classic and much-loved berry cane, prized for its sweet, ruby-red fruit and reliable harvests. Upright and bushy in habit, it grows to around 1.5–1.8 m tall and 1 m wide, making it ideal for raised beds, borders, or trained neatly along a trellis. Deciduous and perennial, it rests in winter and bursts back to life each spring, rewarding Cape Town gardeners with two fruiting seasons each year.
Originally bred in the United States, this raspberry adapts beautifully to the Western Cape’s cool winters and warm summers. Expect the first flush of berries in mid-summer (late December–January), followed by a second generous crop in early autumn (March–April). Its medium-sized berries are full of flavour, perfect for fresh eating, jams, or freezing.
Plant Raspberry ‘Heritage’ in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained, compost-rich soil. Water consistently during Cape Town’s hot, dry summers to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Prune out old canes after fruiting to encourage fresh growth, and provide support with stakes or trellises to keep canes upright. Feed in spring with organic fertiliser to boost healthy foliage and fruit set. With Cape Town’s winter rains, the plant naturally refreshes, setting the stage for another abundant harvest.
Planting raspberries near lavender or rosemary not only attracts pollinators but also enhances fruit size and sweetness, an easy companion planting trick for Cape Town gardens.
With Raspberry ‘Heritage’, you’ll enjoy two seasons of homegrown berries each year (summer and autumn) making it a rewarding and flavourful addition to your garden.
| Botanical Name: | Rubus Idaeus |
| Growth Expectancy: | 1.5-1.8m H x 1m W |
| Position: | Sun |
| Water Smart: | No |
| Indigenous: | No |
