Tay Berry [Raspberry X Blackberry] (Live Plant)

These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.

Key Characteristics of Tayberry:

• Origin: The Tayberry (Rubus fruticosus × R. idaeus) is a cultivated hybrid shrub in the genus Rubus, created in 1962 at the Scottish Horticultural Research Institute (now the James Hutton Institute) in Invergowrie, Scotland, by Derek L. Jennings. It is a cross between the 'Aurora' blackberry and a red raspberry ('Malling Jewel'). It was intended to be an improvement on the loganberry. The Tayberry was named after the River Tay in Scotland and released in 1979.

• Patent Status: The Tayberry was patented in 1979 by Derek L. Jennings of Dundee, Scotland. The U.S. Plant Patent PP4,424 was granted on June 12, 1979, and has since expired. While the original patent has expired, propagation and sale of specific newer selections or cultivars derived from the original Tayberry might still be subject to plant breeders' rights or other forms of protection.

• Berry Production: Produces large, elongated, cone-shaped berries, typically up to 4 cm (1½ inches) long. The fruit is a deep reddish-purple when ripe and has a glossy sheen. The flesh is juicy with a distinct sweet-tart and aromatic flavor, often described as a blend of raspberry and blackberry, sometimes with hints of boysenberry. Similar to blackberries, the receptacle (core) remains in the berry when picked. Yields are generally high, often exceeding those of loganberries.

• Ripening Time: The Tayberry is a mid- to late-summer ripening berry. The cropping period is long, typically extending from early to late summer, usually starting in July and sometimes continuing into September.

• Plant Size and Appearance: The Tayberry has a vigorous, semi-erect to spreading growth habit with prickly canes that can reach 1.8 to 2.1 meters (6 to 7 feet) long. Fruits grow on short lateral branches. The canes are biennial, meaning they produce fruit in their second year and then die, similar to raspberries and blackberries.

• Flowers: Produces pale pink or white flowers that develop into the characteristic elongated berries. It is self-fertile.

• Hardiness: Generally considered hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9, with some reports suggesting tolerance to Zone 5 with protection. Plants need protection below -15°F (-26°C).

• Pollination: The Tayberry is self-pollinating and does not require another variety for fruit set.

• Growing Conditions: Prefers a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Consistent moisture is important, especially during fruit development. Supporting the canes with a trellis or wires is recommended to manage the vigorous growth and prevent the canes from sprawling, which can also improve airflow and reduce disease potential.

• Uses: The berries are excellent for fresh eating, jams, jellies, pies, and other culinary uses. They can also be frozen. Tayberries are too soft when fully ripe to be easily machine-harvested or shipped long distances, which limits their commercial availability.

• Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife.

• Ornamental Value: The vigorous growth and attractive fruit can add ornamental value to the garden, especially when trained on a trellis or fence.

• Disease and Pest Resistance: Tayberries are generally considered to have good disease resistance, including resistance to late yellow rust. They are also reported to be less susceptible to pests and diseases than raspberries.