Loganberry ∗ The 10 best planting and care tips

Characteristics

• Scientific name: Rubus loganobaccus
• Origin: America, Garden of James Logan
• Growth type: shrub
• Growth: climbing, deciduous
• Growth height: 300 cm to 500 cm
• Leaf: Pinnate, evergreen
• flower: fivefold, white
• Fruit: berry
• Taste: aromatic, wine-sour
• Harvest time: July and August
• Hardiness: hardy
• Use: orchard, tub, snack fruit

origin

the loganberry is a random hybrid of blackberry (Rubus ursinus) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus). In 1881, the berry variety originated in the garden of the Californian judge and passionate home gardener James Harvey Logan. Within the framework of tireless attempts, Logan achieved the breeding success that was recognized worldwide. The blackberry variety 'Aughinbaugh' and the raspberry variety 'Red Antwerp' were probably actively involved in the high-quality genetics of the hybrid.

growth

The growth of a loganberry is comparable to the native blackberry bush. The following overview summarizes important key data:

• growth type: Climber (clings to vegetation and trellis with spines or thorns).
• growth habit: upright shrub with numerous, meter-long basal shoots.
• growth height: 3m to 5m
• growth rate: 100 cm to 500 cm growth per year
• root: Shallow roots without stolons

The epic long tails are densely covered with straight spines (no thorns) and nicely feathered, somewhat coarse leaves. In mild regions, the loganberry thrives as an evergreen shrub that retains its leaves into late winter.

fruit

Rubus loganobaccus is a self-pollinating berry variety. Pollinated, white-pink cup flowers are hermaphroditic and turn into aggregate drupes. The aromatic fruits cannot deny their close relationship with raspberries. These characteristics explain the cult status of California loganberries:

• fruit shape: elongate, cone-shaped
• fruit size: 2 cm to 4 cm long
• color: bright red to dark red
• taste: aromatic, juicy and sour

Freshly harvested loganberries can be kept refrigerated for only two days. For this reason, you can rarely buy the delicious fruit in the supermarket or at the weekly market. In Germany, the berry variety is primarily grown in hobby gardens.

Looking forward to a refreshing treat - admire freshly harvested loganberries up close

harvest time

Just in time for the hot summer time, the ripe, elongated loganberries promise refreshing fruit enjoyment. From July to August, the shrub carries its juicy, sour load and invites you to enjoy a healthy snack. Ripe fruits are colored dark red from the base to the tip.

use

The list of advantageous properties is long: rapid growth, opaque leaves, picturesque flowers and bright red, tasty fruits characterize the berry variety. That is why loganberries are suitable for decorative and culinary uses. Let the following table inspire you on how to take advantage of the many advantages of the successful hybrid of blackberries and raspberries:

Plant loganberries

The robust loganberry is a hit for the private orchard. The trendy berry variety is easy to plant, thrives in almost any location and gives the whole family tasty fruit that you can't buy on every corner. What you should pay attention to when buying seedlings, which site conditions are best suited and how to plant the shrub correctly can be read in the following sections:

Buy loganberry seedlings

Numerous shopping sources on the Internet offer the loganberry as seedlings for hobby gardeners. Ideally, you should buy a young plant from your trusted tree nursery or nursery. This has the advantage that you buy healthy, virus-tested seedlings from cultivation in the regional climate. Take a close look at the young loganberry. New, white roots should be visible at the edge of the pot as a sign of quality for health and vigorous growth.

• Extra tip: It is best to buy the loganberry in a double pack. Although the berry variety is self-fertile, crop yield and fruit quality will benefit if you plant at least two specimens.

Location

The modest demands of a loganberry on the location are easy to fulfill in any common hobby garden:

• Sunny to semi-shady without blazing sun in the afternoon.
• Humous, loose and permeable garden floor.
• Soil quality preferably sandy-loamy, fresh to moist and without risk of waterlogging.

As we know it from native fruit trees, the loganberry does not thrive in the shade, in acidic or very calcareous soil.

Planting Guide

The best time to plant loganberries is in autumn so that the roots can develop properly over the winter. First place the root ball and pot in a bucket of rainwater until no more air bubbles rise. How to plant the berry bush correctly:

1. Set up a trellis, grid or wire frame as a climbing aid.
2. Dig a planting pit that is 10 cm larger on each side than the root ball.
3. Planting distance is 150 cm to 200 cm.
4. The excavation mix with compost and horn shavings,(€9.00 at Amazon*) heavy clay soil additionally improve with sand.
5. Pot water-soaked loganberries.
6. Plant the young shrub 5 cm to 10 cm deeper than before in the pot for strong, basal growth of new shoots.
7. Tie the shoots to the bottom of the trellis in a fan shape.

Finally, water the freshly planted loganberry generously without waterlogging.

digression

Superfood Loganberry

Cultivate Loganberry

The loganberry is undemanding and easy to care for. Regular watering and Fertilize as well as a consistent cut care are the supporting pillars in the care program. The vigorous raspberry and blackberry can be propagated with planters. Good protection against the nasty spikes in the form of thorn-proof gloves, protective goggles, rubber boots and sturdy clothing is essential for care work without injuries. Read these important care tips in a nutshell:

Pour

The loganberry does not tolerate prolonged drought or waterlogging. Water the shallow root when the soil feels dry. Infrequent, penetrating watering is better than daily watering in small amounts. Let the water run directly onto the root disc until the first puddles form as an indication of the onset of waterlogging. The soil on the root disk should dry well before the next watering. Suitable as irrigation water rainwater, pond water and normal tap water alike.

Fertilize

Write down three doses of fertilizer on the care plan. In March/April, fertilize the loganberry with compost. In June sprinkle 100 grams horn meal onto the root disc and water again. Organic potassium fertilization after harvest strengthens winter hardiness. For this purpose you shower the earth with you comfrey manure.

To cut

You can like the loganberry bush Cut blackberries. The aromatic fruits form on the biennial tendrils. After harvesting, cut the worn canes down to ground level. These cut shoots initially remain on the climbing aid as natural frost protection.

The second stage of cutting care follows in February. Now remove the clippings from the trellis. In addition, thin out the shrub thoroughly by cutting out diseased, stunted, damaged and weak branches. Shorten side branches of last year's long rods and thus this year's fruit rods to two eyes. Do not cut the long rods themselves, or only if they are too long. It is important to note the correct disposal of infested rods in the bio bin and not on the compost. At the end, tie the best 5 to 6 fruit canes to the trellis in a fan shape.

multiply

As a cross between raspberry and blackberry, the loganberry is easiest to propagate by layering. In autumn or spring, dig a 10 cm deep furrow next to the mother plant, place a tendril in it and cover the shoot with soil. Until its own root system has formed, the offshoot remains attached to the bush. Then cut off the rooted tendril, dig up the root ball and plant the young loganberry in the new location.

Popular Varieties

Because the loganberry is so prickly, knowledgeable breeders bring troubled home gardeners these thornless varieties:

• Thornless Loganberry: gardener-friendly variety without thorns and with tasty berries from July.
• Loganberry LY654: thornless berry variety with elongated, purple-colored fruits and sour taste.
• Buckingham Tayberry: Scottish hybrid of raspberry and blackberry, thornless, easy to care for and particularly hardy.

FAQ

What is the difference between loganberry and tayberry?

Both berry varieties are a hybrid of raspberry and blackberry with tasty, sweet and sour fruits. The hybrids can be distinguished by their growth. The loganberry grows up to 5 meters high without pruning and forms a dense network of prickly tendrils. With a growth height of 100 to 180 centimeters, the tayberry remains significantly smaller and thrives either with harmless, delicate spines or thornless. In contrast to the Californian loganberry, the tayberry comes from Scotland and is considered the hardier berry variety.

Is the loganberry self-pollinating or should a second berry variety be planted?

Basically, the loganberry thrives as a self-fertile berry variety. the crop yields on the solitary shrub are of course significantly lower than with cross-pollination. For this reason it is advisable to add a second variety. Suitable pollinators are all loganberry varieties, blackberries, raspberries or tayberries. Because loganberries always fruit on two-year-old wood, an annual pruning is essential for a rich berry harvest.

Are Loganberry Shrubs Hardy?

Yes, a loganberry bush is hardy down to – 20° Celsius. This applies to cultivation in beds. If you plant the berry variety in a bucket or balcony box with a trellis, we recommend winter protection. Pack the planter in a winter coat made of fleece or bubble wrap. A wooden foot protects the root ball from frost from below. Ideally, push the loganberry in front of a protective house wall.