Finding Creeping Raspberry for Topiary Projects

A gardener sought sources for creeping raspberry (Rubus calycinoides), recommended for a shade topiary. Nursery inventory is often low in mid-summer, but availability improves in a few weeks. Bannister Creek Nursery in Duluth (770-497-9905) recently had 4-inch pots in stock. If local nurseries come up empty, the expert offered to continue the search.

Creeping raspberry is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover with textured foliage and small white flowers followed by ornamental red fruit. It thrives in shade to part sun and tolerates drought once established—ideal for topiary forms or trailing over walls.

Buying Tips:

• Call ahead to confirm stock.
• Check specialty native plant nurseries.
• Consider online mail-order sources if local options fail.

Persistence pays off with this versatile, underused native.