Blackberry Loch Ness

Bred by the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Blackberry Loch Ness is completely different from the rampant, thorny blackberries, wild and cultivated, that we know and battle with. The canes of Blackberry Loch Ness are semi-erect, allowing the bush to be trained up a single post or in a row of summer raspberries, or even left without a support, and they are also thornless; these features make it suitable for even quite a small garden. The berries, borne on 2nd year wood, are very large with a good flavour, and easy to pick. Compact, yet moderately vigorous, giving good yields, trouble-free and easy to grow – does not even need netting against birds. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Pick: Late August–September
Keep: A few days in the fridge; freeze well
Hardiness: Hardy
Pollination: Self-fertile
Uses: Eating, cooking, preserving
Height: 5’–8’ (1.5-2.3m) Spread: 5’–8’ (1.5-2.3m)