Origin
Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin, commonly known as arctic raspberry or dwarf raspberry, is a species of plant in the Rosaceae family. It is native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Common Names
Arctic raspberry, dwarf raspberry, nagoonberry, salmonberry, and Arctic Bramble are some of the common names given to Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus.
General Appearance
Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus is a low-growing, deciduous shrub that does not exceed more than 20 cm in height. The plant has green, trifoliate leaves with serrated margins that are hairless on the upper surface and slightly hairy on the underside. The flowers are pink to white, 1-2 cm in diameter, and bloom in late spring or early summer. The fruits are red to dark purple colored, 5-15 mm in diameter, and possess a sweet-tart flavor.
Uses
The arctic raspberry has a long history of medicinal use among indigenous people. The leaves and berries of the plant are used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, sore throats, and fever. It is also used as a natural sweetener. In addition, the sweet and juicy berries are used in jams, jellies, pies, and other desserts. The plant is also grown as an ornamental and can be used for erosion control due to its low growth habit.
Light Requirements
Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin thrives in a partially shaded environment. Direct sunlight exposure can cause leaf scorching and hinder the plant's growth. However, it requires at least four hours of sunlight to produce fruits. Therefore, a shaded location with some amount of sunlight exposure is ideal for the plant's growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant species is hardy and can survive in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +30°C. However, it grows best in cool temperatures, with the optimal temperature range being 15°C to 20°C. The ideal temperature for fruiting is between 10°C and 15°C. When exposed to high temperatures, the plant encounters heat stress, resulting in reduced growth and fruit quality.
Soil Requirements
One of the vital factors for the growth of Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin is soil quality. The plant prefers acidic soils with pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, well-drained, and moist. The ideal soil texture for this species is sandy loam with a high content of humus. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and hinder the growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation of Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin
Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin, commonly known as the Arctic bramble, is a hardy and low-growing shrub that belongs to the rose family. It is a popular plant for cultivation due to its striking reddish-orange fruit and its ability to thrive in colder climates. Here are some tips for cultivating this plant:
Watering Needs for Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin
Arctic bramble plants have moderate water needs. You need to keep the soil moist but make sure that it does not waterlog. You should water the plants once every seven days, and more frequently during extreme heat waves. Watering is best done early in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid overhead watering as this may cause diseases.
Fertilizing Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin
Arctic bramble plants require nutrients to thrive. Once every 4-6 weeks, you should fertilize your plants. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, or a fertilizer that is high in potassium. Avoid fertilizing during winter as this may trigger leaf growth and make the plant susceptible to frost damage.
Pruning Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin
Pruning is important for the health and productivity of Arctic bramble plants. The best time to prune these plants is in late winter or early spring before the new leaves appear. To do this, you should remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems. You should also prune back the remaining stems to a height of 4-6 inches above ground level. Trim any lateral shoots back to 1-2 buds. This will encourage new growth and optimize fruit production.
Propagation of Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin
There are different methods for propagating Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin, commonly known as the Arctic raspberry or the stellate fruit tundra blackberry. The following are the three most common methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus can be harvested from ripe fruits and then sown in a seedbed or a potting soil mix. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in the spring. The soil should be kept moist, and the temperature should be maintained at around 15 to 20 °C to ensure proper germination. Seed propagation may take longer than vegetative methods, and the resulting plants may also exhibit a wide range of genetic variations.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation through cuttings is the most common method to produce identical clones of Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus. Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season growth in late spring or early summer and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a suitable rooting medium. The plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop in about four to six weeks. The newly rooted plants can be transplanted to individual pots and grown for a year before being planted in their permanent location.
Sucker propagation
Sucker propagation involves transplanting young shoots or suckers that emerge from the base of mature Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus. The best time for transplanting is in the spring or late fall, when the plants are dormant. The suckers should be carefully dug out and planted in a suitable location, preferably with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The resulting plants will be identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management for Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin
Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin is relatively resistant to diseases, but it can still face some problems. Below are some common diseases that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
1. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is the most common disease in Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin. It is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella rubi. The spots are circular or irregular, and they can range from brown to purple colors. Over time, the lesions can merge and cause severe damage to the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to improve air circulation around the plants by pruning and thinning branches. Additionally, removing infected leaves and debris can help prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can be used as well, but they must be applied preventively.
2. Phytophthora Root Rot
Phytophthora root rot is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi. The symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and root rot. There is no effective management for this disease, so prevention is the key. Proper drainage and avoiding over-irrigation can reduce the risk of this disease. Additionally, avoiding planting in areas where the pathogen is present can help prevent Phytophthora root rot.
Pest Management for Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin
While Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin is relatively resistant to pests, there are still some common pests that can cause problems. Below are some pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are common pests that affect many plants, including Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin. They feed on the underside of leaves, causing a yellowing or bronzing of the foliage. To manage spider mites, it is important to improve air circulation around the plants by pruning and thinning branches. Additionally, regularly washing leaves with water can help reduce the population of spider mites. Pesticides are typically not effective against spider mites.
2. Raspberry Fruitworm Beetle
The raspberry fruitworm beetle lays eggs on the buds and flowers of Rubus arcticus L. var. stellatus (Sm.) Boivin. The larvae then bore into developing fruit and feed on the seeds. To manage this pest, it is important to monitor for adult beetles and remove them when seen. Additionally, removing and destroying infested fruit can help reduce the population of the raspberry fruitworm beetle.
