Cloudberry
Rubus chamaemorus · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cloudberry: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Arctic bramble, Cloudberry
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to July
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-30°C)
- Origin
- Boreal and subarctic regions of the North
Care
Light exposure
Prefer a semi-shaded to sunny location, with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light. This plant tolerates northern regions well and appreciates cool, wind-sheltered spots. Moderate sunlight promotes abundant fruiting.
Soil and substrate
Grow Rubus chamaemorus in acidic, organic-rich soil that is slightly moist but well-drained. A peaty or sandy substrate enriched with compost works particularly well. Avoid chalky and compacted soils.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during growth and fruiting periods. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells. Reduce watering in winter, but don't let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring or incorporate well-decomposed compost. This plant from poor natural environments doesn't require intensive feeding; too much nitrogen can promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove dried or damaged stems at the end of winter. You can lightly thin out after fruiting to aerate the clump. Moderate pruning is sufficient; this herbaceous plant regenerates naturally.
Diseases and pests
Rubus chamaemorus is rarely affected by disease under appropriate conditions. Watch for powdery mildew in humid, stagnant weather by promoting air circulation. Adequate drainage and proper spacing minimize most fungal problems.
Did you know?
The Arctic bramble is a treasure of northern regions: its amber berries, rich in vitamin C, have been traditionally harvested in Scandinavia, Finland, and Siberia for centuries. Often rare and protected in the wild, it symbolizes the botanical richness of subarctic zones and remains a delightful delicacy for northern peoples.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Apple treeMalus domestica
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- Bird cherryPrunus padus
- BrambleRubus fruticosus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.