Blackberry Lock Ness
Rubus fruticosus 'Loch Ness'
Also known as
Blackberry
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
H7-H3
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2m | Max | 2.5m |
1m | Min | 50cm |
Fruiting
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
Fruits ripen in autumn. Pick fruits regularly keeping the central plug within the fruit.
Blackberry Lock Ness Overview
The 'Loch Ness' blackberry is a high yielding, thorn-free bush that can produce up to 3.6kg of large, firm, glossy blackberries from autumn to early winter. They can be grown in a large pot in the sun or trained against a wall or fence.
Common problems with Blackberry Lock Ness
Good general resistance to disease. Pests: Aphids, leafhoppers, raspberry beetle and gall mites.
Blackberry Lock Ness Companion Plants
How to propagate Blackberry Lock Ness
Seed
Stratify seeds in the first year. Sow seeds shallowly. Keep seeds moist and plant out in Spring.
Layering
Tip layer in late summer to early autumn. The young shoots are bent over to the ground and covered with soil and left throughout autumn and winter. In spring, cut the new plant away and replant.
Cuttings
Root or leafy stem cuttings can propagate effectively. Plant 10-15 cm stems in moist sand. Once rooted, plant out. Take 7-15 cm root cuttings in autumn and cold store. Plant out in Spring in same soil mix 5-7 cm apart.
Suckers
Suckers can be removed from the parent plant and replanted.
Division
Alternatively, R.odoratus may be increased by division and R.'Benenden' and R.ulmifolius 'Bellidiflorus' by layering in spring. You can also propagate by root division in winter.
Special features of Blackberry Lock Ness
Pot plant
Can be grown in a large container in the sun.
Autumn colour
The leaves turn rich shades of deep red before falling.
Other uses of Blackberry Lock Ness
Culinary
Edible
The fruits can be eaten raw or made into jams and desserts.
