Description
Lawtonberry (Rubus allegheniensis x hybrids)
Lawtonberries are a high-yielding blackberry variety from the Rosaceae family, known for their sweet flavour and reliable harvests. The berries resemble blackberries but are slightly smaller, offering a sweet, rich flavour that is very similar to traditional blackberries. As a perennial, Lawtonberries produce fruit annually on thorny, two-year-old canes. Plants grow 1–2 metres tall and wide and are self-fertile, meaning one plant can produce fruit without a pollination partner. Plant in a permanent position with a trellis or fence for support, as semi-erect canes benefit from structure. Harvest runs from late December to February, depending on your climate.
Climate Suitability
Best suited to cool to arid climates, where winter chill supports dormancy and fruit development. In hot summers, provide afternoon shade, consistent watering, and mulch to retain soil moisture.
When to Plant
Plant from winter to early spring while canes are dormant. In frost-prone regions, wait until the soil is workable and not frozen. Protect young canes with frost cloth or start in pots if needed.
Where to Plant
Choose a sunny to partly shaded spot with shelter from strong winds and extreme heat. Soil should be rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). Enrich the soil before planting with compost, well-rotted manure, or complete fertiliser.
How to Plant
• Spacing: 1.5 metres between plants
• Depth: Plant with the crown just below soil level, roots spread out
• Aftercare: Water in well and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Growing in Pots
Grow in containers at least 40–50 cm wide and deep, filled with well-draining potting mix and compost. Place in full sun to part shade and support canes by installing a trellis or positioning the container against a fence.
Water regularly, as pots dry out more quickly than garden beds, and feed more frequently throughout the growing season. Refresh the potting mix every couple of years to maintain soil health and productivity. With the right care, they’ll thrive in pots for years and continue to yield delicious fruit each season.
Container growing is also an excellent option for gardeners wanting to keep plants compact or maintain control.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Mulch to reduce evaporation. Potted plants dry out faster, so water frequently and avoid waterlogging. Deep watering helps promote strong root growth and resilience during dry spells.
Fertilising
Apply a complete fertiliser in early spring to support cane and fruit development. A lighter feed in late spring or early summer can boost yields. Options include balanced fertiliser, fish emulsion, or blood and bone. Avoid overfeeding, which may cause excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
Mulching
Mulch in spring with straw, sugarcane, or compost. In cool climates, mulch again in late autumn to insulate roots. Keep mulch away from stems to reduce the risk of rot and pest hiding spots.
Pruning
Lawtonberries grow on a two-year cane cycle. In the first year, primocanes grow vigorously but don’t produce fruit. These canes are typically green, flexible, and strong. In their second year, they become floricanes, which are older, woody, darker in colour, and produce the crop in summer.
After harvesting, cut spent floricanes back to ground level, as they will not fruit again. Pruning them out improves airflow, reduces disease risk, and makes space for new growth.
While floricanes are fruiting, new primocanes will grow vigorously alongside them. Tip-prune primocanes at around 1.2–1.5 metres at the end of summer by cutting back the top 5–10 cm. This encourages side branching for next season’s fruit, helps maintain a manageable height, and improves overall yield.
In winter, select 5–7 of the strongest new primocanes to keep, removing any that are weak, damaged, or overcrowded to further improve airflow and reduce disease risk. As plants mature from their third year in the ground, they may support up to 10 well-spaced canes. Tie the retained canes evenly along a trellis or wire support to keep them organised, improve light penetration, and make harvesting easier.
Lawtonberries grow with stiff, semi-erect canes that have a more contained growth habit than many trailing brambles, making them easier to manage when trained along a support.
Harvest
Fruit ripens from late December to February, depending on the climate. Harvest when berries are fully black, glossy, and plump, pulling gently from the cane. For maximum sweetness, allow the berries to remain on the plant for a while after they have fully formed. Pick every few days to extend the season and encourage further fruit development.
Enjoy Lawtonberries fresh from the garden or use them in jams, sauces, pies, or freeze them for use in smoothies, baked goods, or desserts later in the year. Their flavour holds well, making them a versatile addition to the kitchen.
Pests & Diseases
Birds are a common issue. Use netting to protect ripening fruit. Promote airflow to prevent fungal diseases like rust or cane blight. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry. Check for aphids and mites in warm weather and treat early with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
With good care and monitoring, Lawtonberries remain hardy and relatively disease-resistant, particularly in cool to temperate climates.
Safety
Lawtonberries grow on thorny canes, so wear gloves and long sleeves during pruning or harvest. The berries are edible, but supervise children and avoid eating unripe or non-fruit parts. Keep the growing area tidy to prevent trips or scratches from the canes.
Supplied as a bare-rooted cane.