Balloon Berry
€9.95
Balloon Berry (Rubus illecebrosus), also known as Strawberry Raspberry, is a hardy, compact fruiting perennial shrub that typically reaches 60–100 cm tall, forming attractive clumps of fresh green foliage. In summer, it produces white, open flowers followed by unusual, bright red, rounded berries with a raspberry-like texture and a mild, sweet-tart flavour. The fruits are edible and can be eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or used in jams, sauces, desserts, and preserves. Balloon Berry is easy to grow and is ideal for gardeners of all experience levels, bringing ornamental interest, unusual edible fruit, and pollinator-friendly flowers to forest gardens, edible borders, wildlife gardens, and permaculture plantings.
Balloon Berry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. It is hardy in Ireland’s cool temperate climate and, like many Rubus species, will spread gradually by underground runners when happy. Its combination of attractive flowers, distinctive berries, and low-maintenance growth makes it a valuable choice for edible landscapes, especially where a productive, unusual fruiting groundcover or low shrub layer is desired.
Quantity
Out of stock
Growing Instructions
Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Water regularly during dry spells, especially while establishing young plants, and apply a mulch of compost, leaf mould, or woodchip each spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and nourish the soil.
Cut back dead, weak, or damaged stems in late winter or early spring to keep plants healthy and productive. Balloon Berry may spread gently by suckers over time, so allow it room to naturalise or manage its spread by removing unwanted shoots. Its edible berries, pollinator-friendly flowers, and easy-care nature make it a wonderful addition to forest gardens, edible borders, wildlife-friendly spaces, and permaculture systems seeking unusual perennial fruit crops.
