Raspberry Illusion

The Illusion raspberry variety was bred at the M. A. Lisavenko Siberian Horticulture Research Institute by free pollination of the English and Usanka varieties. This variety is included in the State Register and recommended for cultivation in the East Siberian and West Siberian regions, as well as suitable for central Russia. Bushes are medium-sized, powerful, upright or weakly spreading, reaching a height of 1.5 to 1.8 meters, which facilitates care and harvest. Canes are light green with a reddish tint on the sunny side, hairy and elastic.

Illusion berries are large, weighing from 2.6 to 4.5 grams, hemispherical or round in shape, red color, slightly hairy. The taste is sour-sweet, with a pleasant tartness and delicate aroma, not cloying. The variety belongs to early-mid ripening and is self-fruitful. Yield reaches 9.7–14.1 tons per hectare or about 1 kg per square meter.

Illusion is characterized by good winter hardiness and resistance to diseases and pests, which makes it a reliable choice for cultivation in the Siberian climate. Drought resistance of the variety is weak, so to obtain a high yield, regular watering is recommended. Due to its characteristics and unpretentiousness, the variety is popular among gardeners who value large, aromatic berries and stable yields.