Rubus arcticus 'Tarja'

Arctic Raspberry Rosaceae

A diminutive raspberry with ambitions far beyond its size. ‘Tarja’ is a cultivated Finnish selection of the Arctic Raspberry, a circumpolar species of cool northern forests, heaths and open woodland. It creeps rather than charges, forming a low carpet of fresh green foliage, with pretty pink flowers followed by small, deep red fruits whose perfume and flavour are remarkably intense for something so modest.

The berries are a Scandinavian delicacy, traditionally eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies, syrups, drinks and liqueurs. Their flavour is distinctly aromatic, sweet-tart and wonderfully complex—rather more sophisticated than the average raspberry might lead you to expect.

Importantly, ‘Tarja’ is self-incompatible, so one plant is unlikely to provide a worthwhile crop. For reliable fruiting, grow it alongside a genetically different Rubus arcticus cultivar; insect pollinators then do the necessary matchmaking between clones. ‘Marika’, ‘Mespi’ and ‘Mesma’ are suitable companions.

Best in sun or light shade in cool, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil, preferably on the acidic side. An excellent edible groundcover for the woodland or wild garden, where its tiny stature makes its enormous-flavoured berries all the more amusing.

Height: 10–25cm
Spread: 40–60cm
Flowering: May–June
Fruiting: June–September
Hardiness: H5