Description
Loganberry (Rubus loganobaccus)
The Loganberry is a vigorous, deciduous hybrid bramble from the Rosaceae family, originally discovered in California. It is a natural cross between a blackberry and a red raspberry, combining the best qualities of both to produce large, deep purple-red berries with a sharp, rich flavour that becomes noticeably sweeter the longer they are left to ripen on the plant. The elongated, cylindrical fruit ripens through summer and is excellent for fresh eating, jams, sauces, desserts, and freezing. Canes are thornless and trailing, often reaching up to 2 metres long. Loganberries are self-fertile and fruit on second-year canes, offering generous harvests once established.
Climate Suitability
Loganberries are well suited to cool, temperate, and arid climates that provide a defined winter chill and encourage vigorous spring growth. They thrive with consistent moisture and benefit from mulch to help retain soil moisture. In hotter regions, providing some afternoon shade reduces stress and helps prevent sunburn. Morning sun and good airflow are important to minimise the risk of fungal issues.
When to Plant
Plant from winter to early spring while the plant is dormant. In frost-prone areas, wait until the soil is workable. Young canes may need protection from heavy frost using frost cloth. Alternatively, start in pots and transplant once conditions improve.
Where to Plant
Choose a permanent, sunny to part-shaded position, ensuring at least six hours of sunlight daily. Afternoon shade is helpful in hot regions. Shelter from strong winds to prevent damage to the long, flexible canes, and train trailing canes along a trellis or fence for support and productivity. Use rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil (pH 5.5–7.0) enriched with compost, manure, or a complete fertiliser.
How to Plant
• Before Planting: Soak canes in clean water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate roots and reduce transplant shock.
• Spacing: 2–3 metres apart.
• Depth: Plant so the crown, where roots meet the stem, is just below soil level with roots spread out. Backfill gently.
• Aftercare: Water in well and apply mulch such as straw, sugarcane or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Growing in Pots
While loganberries thrive best when planted in the ground, they can also be grown successfully in large containers if space is limited. Choose a container with good drainage holes and fill it with quality, free-draining potting mix enriched with compost or slow-release fertiliser.
Position the container in full sun to part shade, sheltered from strong winds, and provide a trellis or fence for support. Train canes in a fan shape, separating floricanes and primocanes to simplify pruning and harvesting.
Water regularly and feed more often than in-ground plants, as pots dry out and deplete nutrients faster. Refresh the potting mix every few years. This is a good option for small gardens or patios where ground planting isn’t possible.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Deep watering encourages root strength. Avoid waterlogging. In pots, check frequently and mulch well to reduce evaporation.
Fertilising
In early spring, apply a complete fertiliser to promote cane and fruit growth. Options include granular fertiliser, fish emulsion, blood and bone, or composted manure. Apply a lighter feed in late spring or early summer. Avoid overfeeding. Potted plants benefit from diluted liquid fertiliser applied more regularly.
Harvesting
Loganberries typically ripen in early summer, depending on the climate. The fruit is long, cylindrical, and deep purple-red when mature. Berries should be picked when they are fully coloured, soft to the touch, and detach easily from the cane. Their flavour is sharp and rich, becoming noticeably sweeter the longer they are left to ripen on the plant. Unlike their blackberry and raspberry parents, loganberries have a smoother taste with less of the mouth-drying tartness, making them excellent for fresh eating.
Harvest every few days to maintain productivity, handling the fruit carefully to prevent bruising. Loganberries are highly versatile and can be used in desserts, jams, jellies, juice, pies, and even homemade wine. They also freeze well for future use.
Pruning
Loganberries grow on a two-year cane cycle with two types of canes. Primocanes are first-year canes that are green, flexible, and vigorous but don’t fruit until their second year, when they become woody floricanes that bear the summer crop. After fruiting, floricanes should be cut back to ground level to improve airflow and make space for new growth.
Pruning is typically done in autumn and winter while plants are dormant, as this reduces stress on the plant and lowers the risk of spreading disease. In frost-prone areas, late winter is best to minimise frost damage to fresh cuts. While floricanes are fruiting, new primocanes grow vigorously alongside them. Tip-prune these in late summer at about 1.2–1.5 metres to encourage side branching for next season’s fruit.
When pruning, retain 5–7 of the strongest new primocanes, removing weak or overcrowded growth. Shorten lateral branches to around 30–45 cm and remove side shoots below 45 cm. Train canes along a trellis or support, keeping primocanes and floricanes separate for better airflow, light, and easier harvesting.
Pests & Diseases
Loganberries have excellent disease resistance and are generally hardy and low-maintenance. However, it is still important to monitor for potential issues. Birds are common pests and can be deterred with wildlife-safe netting. In humid conditions, diseases such as cane blight, rust, and botrytis may occur; prune to maintain good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and promptly remove any affected growth. Aphids and mites can also appear in warm weather and can be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Safety & Handling
Loganberries have thornless canes, making them easier and safer to manage in gardens with children and pets. To help ensure everyone’s safety, supervise young children and pets around supports or trailing canes, and keep the growing area tidy to reduce the risk of tripping over canes or support structures. The berries are safe to eat when fully ripe, but other parts of the plant should not be consumed.
Supplied as a bare-rooted cane.