Rubus x stellarcticus 'Beata'

Hybrid Arctic Raspberry Rosaceae

Small, pretty and dangerously easy to underestimate, ‘Beata’ is a cultivated hybrid in the Arctic Raspberry group, generally referred to as Rubus × stellarcticus. In appearance it has much in common with the cultivated forms of R. arcticus, forming a low, spreading carpet of fresh green foliage and producing attractive pink flowers in late spring, followed by small, richly flavoured red fruits.

The berries are the real prize: intensely aromatic, sweet-tart and deliciously distinctive. They can be eaten fresh or used for jams, jellies, syrups, desserts and drinks, continuing the long Scandinavian tradition of making the most of this diminutive but highly prized bramble.

Like many cultivated forms in this group, ‘Beata’ benefits from cross-pollination and should not be relied upon to fruit heavily when grown alone. Planting it with a genetically different compatible Arctic Raspberry or hybrid cultivar allows bees and other insects to transfer pollen between plants and greatly improves the chance of a worthwhile crop.

Grow in sun or light shade in cool, fertile, moisture-retentive soil, preferably slightly acidic. A charming edible groundcover for woodland gardens, beneath shrubs or through an informal fruiting garden.

Height: 10–25cm
Spread: 40–70cm
Flowering: May–June
Fruiting: June–July
Hardiness: H5