Lawtonberry - Trenton Cottage
Lawtonberry - Trenton Cottage
In Stock

Lawtonberry

Wholesale Sales Only

Grown for their exceptional sweetness, dependable yields, and heavy crops, Lawtonberries (Rubus allegheniensis x hybrids) are a classic blackberry variety with a twist — their glossy, black berries are slightly smaller than traditional blackberries, but deliver an impressively sweet, rich flavour. Perfect for fresh eating, jams, sauces, pies, or freezing for later, their taste holds beautifully in any form. Lawtonberries grow on sturdy, semi-erect canes that are thorny yet easy to manage when trained along a trellis or fence. Thriving in cool to arid climates, they prefer full sun with some afternoon shade to protect fruit and foliage. Suitable for planting in the ground or in large containers, Lawtonberries offer long-term productivity, reliable summer harvests, and flavour you’ll look forward to year after year.

SKU: TCLAWTON001 Category: Tags: ,

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 and even sweeter than boysenberries. 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. 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 m 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 in smaller garden spaces.

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 fruit on second-year canes (floricanes), so pruning is key to ongoing productivity.

In winter, cut all fruited canes back to ground level — they will not fruit again. These are typically older, woody, and darker in colour.

Retain 5–7 strong new canes (primocanes) in young plants, increasing to up to 10 canes as the plant matures. Remove any weak, damaged, or overcrowded growth to encourage airflow and reduce disease risk.

At the end of summer, once new canes have reached around 1.2–1.5 m, tip-prune the top 5–10 cm to promote lateral branching. This helps maintain a manageable height and encourages better fruiting the following season. Training canes evenly along supports will also improve light penetration and harvesting access.

Lawtonberries grow with stiff, semi-erect canes that don’t spread aggressively, making them easy 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. Let them fully ripen on the plant for maximum sweetness. 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 & Handling

Lawtonberries grow on thorny canes, so wear gloves and long sleeves during pruning or harvest. Berries are non-toxic, but supervise children and avoid eating unripe or non-fruit parts. Ensure the growing area is tidy to prevent trips or accidental scratches from canes.

Supplied as a bare-rooted cane.

Additional information

Price Code

D – Purple Pack
Botanical Name

Rubus allegheniensis x hybrids
Quantity in Pack

1 Cane
Harvest Time

Late December to February
Planting Time

Winter to Early Spring
Planting Depth

Plant so that the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is just below the soil surface, ensuring the roots are spread out.
Planting Width

Space plants 1.5 metres apart to allow room for growth, ensure good airflow, and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to disease.
Soil

Use rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Enrich the planting area with compost, well-rotted manure, or a complete fertiliser to support healthy growth and fruiting.

For pots: use a quality, well-drained potting mix enriched with compost.
How to Plant

Planting in the Ground
Select a sunny to partly shaded position where the plant can remain permanently. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots without crowding. Position the plant so the crown — where the roots meet the stem — sits just below the soil surface. Backfill with the original soil or a mix of soil and compost, then water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Finish by applying a generous layer of mulch, such as straw, sugarcane mulch, or compost, around the base. Keep the mulch a few centimetres clear of the crown to prevent rot and help conserve moisture.
Planting in Pots
Use a large container at least 40–50 cm wide and deep, filled with quality, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Follow the same planting steps as for growing in the ground: position the cane so the crown sits just below the soil surface, backfill gently, and water thoroughly.
Ensure only one cane per pot to give it ample space to grow. Add mulch to retain moisture and install a trellis or support to train the trailing canes.
Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during flowering and fruit development, as water stress can affect fruit size and flavour. Increase watering in hot or dry conditions, and maintain a thick layer of mulch to reduce evaporation and regulate soil temperature.
Potted plants dry out more quickly than those in the ground, so check moisture levels often, especially during warm weather. Water deeply when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. Avoid waterlogging, as consistently saturated soil can lead to root rot and poor growth.
Fertilise

Apply a complete, balanced fertiliser in early spring each year to support vigorous cane growth and productive fruiting. For an organic option, use blood and bone, fish emulsion, or liquid seaweed. These can be applied every 2–4 weeks during active growth to maintain plant health, particularly in nutrient-poor soils or containers.
A lighter application in late spring or early summer can encourage strong fruit development.
Avoid overfeeding, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilisers, as this can result in excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit. Always water before and after applying fertiliser to protect roots and help nutrients reach the root zone.
Pruning

Lawtonberries produce fruit on second-year canes, known as floricanes, making annual pruning essential for productivity and plant health.

During winter, remove all canes that have already fruited by cutting them back to ground level — these woody, darker stems will not produce again. In young plants, retain 5–7 of the strongest new canes (primocanes), gradually increasing to up to 10 as the plant matures. Remove any weak, damaged, or overcrowded growth to maintain airflow and reduce disease risk.

In late summer, once new canes reach about 1.2–1.5 metre in height, tip-prune the top 5–10 cm to encourage lateral branching. This not only keeps the plant at a manageable height for harvesting but also promotes more fruitful growth the following season.

Train selected canes along a trellis or wire support to maximise sunlight exposure and ease of access. With their stiff, semi-erect growth habit and minimal spreading, Lawtonberries are easy to manage and ideal for structured garden spaces.
Harvest

Fruit ripens from late December to February, depending on your climate and growing conditions. Berries are ready to pick when they are fully black, glossy, and plump, and should come away easily with a gentle pull. For the best flavour, allow the berries to ripen fully on the plant before harvesting.

Harvesting every few days helps extend the picking season and encourages continued fruit production. To avoid bruising, collect berries into shallow containers and refrigerate promptly if not using straight away. For best results, pick in the cool of the morning when fruit is firm and sugar levels are highest.

Enjoy Lawtonberries fresh, or use them in jams, sauces, pies, tarts, crumbles, puddings, or freeze them for use in smoothies, baked goods, or desserts throughout the year. Their flavour holds well after freezing, making them a reliable and versatile addition to any kitchen.
close
Shopping cart
close