Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Loch Ness' (B)
ABOUT
The 'Loch Ness' variety of blackberry is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by the lush, green foliage that provides a backdrop to its plump, juicy berries. The leaves are typically compound with a number of leaflets which have serrated edges, giving the plant a vigorous and somewhat textural look. The berries themselves start out as white or greenish blossoms which gradually turn into the recognizable black fruit when ripe. These berries are large, plump, and glossy, hanging in clusters from the canes. Firm to the touch when they are ready for picking, they possess an irresistible combination of sweetness and tartness that makes them highly sought after for both culinary uses and fresh eating. The canes of 'Loch Ness' are known for being thornless, making them easier to manage and harvest than many other varieties of blackberries. This trait adds to its popularity in gardens and farms where ease of picking is a prized advantage. In terms of growth habit, this particular variety of blackberry boasts vigorous canes that tend to be strong and have the ability to support the weight of the fruit they produce without bending over excessively. The plant also has a robust and hardy nature, capable of withstanding numerous conditions while still producing an ample crop.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Loch Ness Blackberry, Loch Ness Thornless Blackberry.
Common names
Rubus fruticosus 'Loch Ness', Rubus 'Loch Ness'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as blackberry, specifically the Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Loch Ness', is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, the fruit of this plant is edible and commonly consumed. There are no known toxic effects from eating the blackberries of this plant. Therefore, there are no symptoms of poisoning associated with the 'Loch Ness' blackberry when ingested by humans as it is a safe and popular fruit.
To pets
The Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Loch Ness', commonly known as blackberry, is not toxic to pets. The fruit of this plant can be eaten by animals like dogs and cats without causing harm. There are no reported symptoms of poisoning from ingesting the blackberries. It is a non-toxic plant to pets in terms of its fruit. However, caution should be taken with the thorny canes, as physical injury could occur if pets come into contact with the sharp thorns.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- High Yield: Produces an abundance of large, sweet berries suitable for fresh consumption and culinary use.
- Thornless Canes: Safer and more comfortable for gardeners to handle, encouraging more people to grow and harvest their own fruit.
- Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common raspberry pests and diseases, leading to healthier plants and improved crop reliability.
- Extended Harvest Season: Offers a prolonged fruiting period compared to some other berry varieties, allowing for a longer harvest time.
- Adaptable Growth: Can thrive in a range of soil types and weather conditions, making it suitable for gardens in various climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers provide a food source for bees and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for garden biodiversity.
- Ease of Propagation: Simple to propagate from cuttings or root divisions, allowing gardeners to expand their crop without additional cost.
- Landscape: Its vigorous growth habit and lush foliage make it a good choice for ground cover or creating a natural fence barrier.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant content: Blackberries, including Rubus fruticosus 'Loch Ness', are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, which can help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. - Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant contains compounds like ellagic acid and anthocyanins which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. - Support for digestive health: Blackberries have dietary fiber which contributes to maintaining a healthy digestive system. - Cardiovascular support: The high fiber content and antioxidants present in the fruits may help in promoting heart health. - Immune system boost: Vitamin C found in the fruits is vital for the proper function of the immune system. - Potential cancer-preventive properties: Due to the presence of phytochemicals like ellagic acid, blackberries might have properties that could help in preventing certain types of cancers. Please note that while these properties are associated with blackberries in general, they should not be taken as medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any plant or its extracts for medicinal purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Landscaping: The blackberry 'Loch Ness' can be incorporated into ornamental gardens, providing both visual appeal with its foliage and flowers, and a supply of fresh berries.
- Dye Production: The fruit of blackberry 'Loch Ness' can be used to make natural dyes for fabric and other materials, offering shades of purple and blue.
- Wildlife Habitat: Providing habitat and food for wildlife, the dense thorny thickets can offer nesting sites for birds and shelter for small mammals.
- Soil Erosion Control: With its robust root system, blackberry 'Loch Ness' can be used in landscape design to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Livestock Feed: In some rural settings, the leaves and stems of the plant can be used as a supplemental feed for livestock like goats and sheep.
- Fermented Beverages: The berries of blackberry 'Loch Ness' can be fermented to produce wines and liqueurs with a distinct, rich flavor.
- Floral Arrangements: The canes and foliage of the 'Loch Ness' blackberry, especially when in bloom, can be used to add greenery and texture to floral arrangements.
- Natural Barriers: The thorny nature of blackberry bushes can be utilized to create living fences or barriers that deter human and animal intrusion.
- Biomass Production: The plant can be cultivated for biomass, which can be used as a renewable energy source or for composting.
- Environmental Education: Blackberry 'Loch Ness' can serve as an educational tool to teach about plant growth, pollination, and fruit development in home gardens and school projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe blackberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe blackberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The brambles of the blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Loch Ness') are often dense and thorny, offering natural protection, symbolically reflecting safety and shelter.
- Abundance: Blackberry bushes are prolific fruit producers; hence, they are associated with abundance and fruitfulness in one's life.
- Healing: Blackberries have been used medicinally in folk remedies, symbolizing healing and health.
- Adaptability: The blackberry is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, representing adaptability and resilience.
WaterBlackberry 'Loch Ness' plants should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water which equates to roughly 0.62 to 0.94 gallons per square yard. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure the water reaches the deep roots, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Overhead watering is discouraged to avoid fungal diseases; therefore, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation around the base of the plant. Reducing water as the fruit begins to ripen can help increase the sweetness of the berries.
LightBlackberry 'Loch Ness' plants thrive best in full sun, which means they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but the fruit production and quality may be reduced. The best spot is an open area without shade from trees or buildings where they can receive plenty of unfiltered sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureBlackberry 'Loch Ness' plants are hardy and can typically withstand a range where the minimum temperature is around 20°F and the maximum is within 90°F to 95°F. Ideal growing temperatures for these plants are between 75°F and 85°F during the growing season. These plants can survive some frost, but late spring frosts can damage flowers and impact fruit production.
PruningPruning Blackberry 'Loch Ness' is essential to encourage fruit production and maintain plant health. Prune the canes that have borne fruit right after harvesting, as blackberries will not fruit on the same canes twice. Additionally, prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged canes and to thin the plants, leaving only the most vigorous canes. Aim to keep about six to eight healthy canes per plant for optimal fruit production.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Blackberry 'Loch Ness', a well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0, to promote optimal growth and fruiting.
RepottingBlackberry 'Loch Ness' is commonly grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingBlackberry 'Loch Ness' plants are adaptable to a range of humidity levels and typically thrive in the ambient humidity found in their growing regions. They do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light, support structure, prune for size control.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, trellis for support, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Loch Ness' (B) is 'Loch Ness Blackberry'. This plant begins its life as a seed, which germinates in the early spring under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. Seedlings grow and develop into vegetative plants, producing leafy canes that may creep or arc depending on support availability. In the second year, the canes develop lateral branches that bear clusters of white to pale pink flowers during late spring or early summer. Following pollination by insects, the flowers develop into blackberries, which ripen by mid to late summer, turning from green to red and finally to black when fully ripe. After fruiting, energy reserves are stored in the perennial root system for the next year's growth cycle; old fruiting canes often die back and are replaced by new vegetative canes that will fruit in the subsequent year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating 'Loch Ness' blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Loch Ness') is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place during late summer or early fall. To do this, cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, which include several leaf nodes, are taken from the parent plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, the cutting is planted into a pot with moist, well-draining soil, ensuring at least a couple of leaf nodes are buried under the soil. The pot is placed in a warm spot with indirect sunlight and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the young plants can be gradually hardened off before transplanting to their final location.
