Hawthorn-leaved Raspberry (Rubus crataegifolius) RASPBERRY TOWER

Hawthorn-leaved Raspberry 'Raspberry Tower' (PBR)

A revolutionary Japanese "raspberry tree" featuring a narrow, upright habit with no support needed, high drought tolerance, and an extended harvest season.

'Raspberry Tower' (also known under the breeder's designation 'Hararasp') is an absolute rarity and innovation in the world of soft fruit. Originating from Japan, where it was bred by Toshikhiko Hara, it belongs to the distinct botanical species Hawthorn-leaved raspberry (Rubus crataegifolius), differing from standard European raspberries. It is a legally protected variety (PBR - Plant Breeders' Rights). Often referred to as a "raspberry tree," this unique plant rewrites the rules of raspberry growing: thanks to its thick, sturdy central stem, it requires no support and saves an immense amount of space. It is the perfect choice for small gardens, patios, balconies, or as an unconventional edible hedge.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Revolutionary tree-like habit: The plant produces thick, overwintering canes that can be trained into an upright "little tree" with a sturdy central trunk and a canopy of fruiting branches.
• No support required: Thanks to its rigid, self-supporting canes, it requires no staking, trellising, or tying up (unlike traditional trailing raspberries).
• Extended harvest season: Fruits ripen continuously throughout the entire summer, from June to August.
• High resilience: Features exceptional tolerance to summer heat and drought, good disease resistance, and winter hardiness down to -25 °C.
• Pollinator-friendly: Blooms from April to May with white flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Small, spherical berries with a diameter of approximately 2 cm. They are intensely red and, unlike standard often-matte raspberries, stand out with an exceptionally glossy and radiant surface.
• Flavor: The berries are tasty and easily accessible for picking.
• Harvest period: Summer-bearing variety (fruits on last year's wood). Characterized by an early start and an exceptionally long picking window from June through August.
• Yield: Bears heavily and reliably every year.

Cultivation and Characteristics

• Size and habit: Grows very compactly and narrowly, reaching a height of 175 to 200 cm and a width of only 60 to 100 cm. Shoots are covered with fine thorns.
• Position and soil: Prefers full sun or partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil. Its narrow footprint makes it ideal for patio containers, small gardens, or edible hedging.
• Disadvantages and notes: Berries are small (approx. 2 cm), canes are thorny, and commercial propagation is restricted by Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR).