Tayberry 'Medana' 3ltr

The tayberry is a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry. It was raised at the Scottish Crop Research Institute, named after the River Tay and introduced in 1979, and 'Medana' is the original variety. It produces heavy crops of large, elongated berries, often around twice the size of a raspberry, with a rich, sweet, aromatic flavour that combines the best of both parents. They ripen in July and August and are best picked when they turn deep purple-red. Enjoy them fresh, or use them in jams, compotes and summer puddings. They freeze very well too. It is self-fertile, and its spring flowers are popular with bees.

'Medana' is a vigorous, trailing plant that grows 1.5–2.5m high and wide. The canes are only slightly thorny, so picking is easier than with most blackberries. It grows best tied in to sturdy horizontal wires on a wall or fence, or to a post-and-wire frame, in a sunny, sheltered spot. Partial shade is tolerated. Give it fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost before planting. If you are planting more than one, space them about 2m apart.

Tayberries fruit on canes grown the previous year. Through summer, tie in the new canes as they grow, keeping them apart from the fruiting ones. Once picking is finished, cut the old fruited canes down to ground level. Mulch each spring, feed with a general fertiliser, and water well during dry spells, especially in the first year while the plant establishes and later while the fruit swells.

Supplied in a 3 litre pot and can be planted at any time of year, though autumn and winter are ideal. Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.