Plant Guide

Rubus calycinoides 'Emerald Carpet'

• Common Name

  Creeping Rasberry
• CA Native

  Non-native
• Plant Type

  Ground Cover
• Size

  2" - 4 x 3'
• Flower Color

  White
• Bloom Time

  • Spring
• Leaves

  Shiny Green in Spring to Burgundy in Fall
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Seed and Fruit for Birds
• Growth Rate

  Fast
• Hardiness

  Semi-hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Erosion Control
  • Fall Color
  • Low Maintenance
• Water Use

  • Low
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Not Particular
• Drainage

  Good Drainage
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  R. calycinoides ' Emerald Carpet' is a densely branching groundcover with semi-evergreen to evergreen, heart-shaped leaves that appear crinkled or puckered. In the summer the leaves are a shiny green and turn a burgundy color in the fall. It has 1/2 inch white flowers followed by tiny salmon-orange colored, edible fruit . The plant creeps along the ground forming runners that root at their nodes and establish new colonies. It advances about 1 foot a year. Although it can be aggressive, the plant is not invasive and does not smother nearby shrubs or perennials. It can be easily controlled by mechanical edging. It is a great plant for hot, dry, erodible slopes or hillsides where moisture fluctuates from very wet to very dry. It can also be used as a lawn substitute. Plant with daffodils or other bulbs which will pop up through the foliage for an interesting spring composition. It is fairly drought -tolerant once established.

  Plant in average soil with good drainage. Will grow in sun or light shade. In the early spring if foliage looks a little rough from winter conditions, trim lightly with a lawn mower.

  No serious diseases or pests.

• Master Gardener Comments

   

   

  
   

• Varietals

  N / A