Creeping raspberries not fruiting - Ask Extension
I planted creeping raspberries four or five years ago, and they appear to be happily growing all over the garden bed. However, although they occasiona...
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Creeping raspberries not fruiting #923261
Asked January 02, 2026, 10:56 AM EST
I planted creeping raspberries four or five years ago, and they appear to be happily growing all over the garden bed. However, although they occasionally have one or two flowers, there are never any fruit. I thought they were supposed to have golden raspberries on them?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
(I'm pretty sure I started them from 2-3 different plants, in case that matters.)
Thank you for your question, Emily. Without knowing where you planted them, or the care you've provided, it's impossible to identify what issue(s) are preventing fruiting. I suggest that you read the following guide to growing raspberries in Oregon, to see if you can find what to do differently: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1306-growing-raspberries-your-home-garden
Good luck!
Good luck!
They're planted in full sun, and we give them some summer water (not a lot.) The spot where the creeping raspberries are is near the southeast corner of our house.We add compost to the soil periodically, and some wood chip and/or leaf mulch on top. We got our soil tested this fall (for the yard in general, not this specific spot), and the pH was 6.27.
All of this is the same as with the more typical red raspberries we have planted nearby. The only difference is these are the ground cover variety, and they're in a more decorative bed which they share with a few rose bushes, some bunch grasses, lilies, and other flowers.
Let me know if this helps, or if there's other info you need. Soil test is attached.
Thank you!
Emily
Thanks! Are these the raspberries you have? https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/rubus-rolfei
Yep!
Aha! Well, I suspect that you are expecting too much from this plant. As the link suggests, it’s really planted only for its groundcover capacity; not for fruit production. Perhaps you can use the raspberry article I first sent you to find another variety that produces plentiful, edible berries. Good luck!
Ok. I have seen it in other parts of the city, covered in golden berries. Like in someone's parking strip, and in the landscaping at PCC. So I was hoping to figure out how they did that. But I guess I will pull it out and start fresh.
The only lab test you attached was for heavy metals. Typically, plants that fail to form flowers and fruit are deficient in potassium. Perhaps you can get a soil test for nutrients and soil pH before you give up.
Welcome! Write back when you get this new soil test.
