Rubus spectabilis aka Salmonberry

Taxonomy

Rubus spectabilis, also known as the salmonberry, is a bramble species belonging to the rose family, Rosaceae. Native to the west coast of North America, ranging from west-central Alaska to California and extending inland to Idaho, this plant displays edible fruit that is yellow-orange or red in color, resembling raspberries. The salmonberry is a thicket-forming shrub with prickly upright shoots and palmate leaves measuring up to 15cm long. Its glossy, mid-green leaflets are ovate in shape. During mid-spring, this species produces stunning, double bright purple-pink flowers that are approximately 5cm across. The name Rubus is derived from the Latin word "ruber," meaning red, which is fitting considering the brambles' association with this color. The epithet spectabilis refers to the plant's spectacular flowers and fruits. Interestingly, the common name salmonberry is thought to originate from the indigenous people's tradition of consuming the berries alongside salmon roe, although it could also be attributed to the orangy-pink hue of the berries.

Common names

Salmonberry, Salmon Raspberry, Cloudberry

How to care for Salmonberry

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Salmonberry is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Salmonberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Salmonberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Salmonberry requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Salmon Raspberry is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Salmonberry to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Salmonberry should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Salmonberry as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Salmonberry’s native range is Western N. America - Alaska to California. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia