Killarney Raspberry vs Black Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Killarney Raspberry vs Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

Rubus x Killarney

Black Raspberry
Killarney Raspberry

The Black Raspberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible red berries that deepen to black as they mature. The berries are flavorful and are great for fresh eating and preserves. Black Raspberry shrubs bloom in late spring with white, rose-like flowers and attract many pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Black Raspberries are floricanes primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

Killarney Raspberry is extremely robust, with some of the best cold and disease resistance available. This could be due, in part, to it being bred in Manitoba.

It is also known for its good flavor and for being firmer than other varieties, which lends to its use in processing like pies, jams, and jellies or for U-Picks.

Killarney Raspberry is a floricane-fruiting variety, meaning it primarily produces fruit on second-year canes (previous season’s new growth). They are also referred to as summer-bearing. In late winter or early spring, cut back all spent floricanes, leaving only last season's canes.

Raspberries are self-fertile, meaning they do not require cross-pollination from another variety to produce fruit.

Black Raspberry Quick Facts

Killarney Raspberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Berries: red to black
Berries: large, tasty raspberries
Firmness: firm
Harvest: early-mid summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: bears eye blackberry, black cap, scotch cap