Tayberry Rubus (Tayberry Group) 'Medana Tayberry' (F)
ABOUT
The Medana Tayberry is a fruiting plant that boasts a combination of attributes from both the blackberry and the raspberry, as it is a hybrid of the two. Although I cannot mention exact dimensions, it typically grows in long, arching canes that bear sharp thorns. The foliage is a vibrant green with leaves that have a similar shape to those of the raspberry, featuring distinct, serrated edges. The plant's most notable feature is its fruit. Tayberries are larger than raspberries, with a long, conical shape and deep purple to reddish color when ripe. The surface of the tayberries is slightly fuzzy, much like raspberries, and they have a soft, juicy texture. The flavor is a unique combination of the tartness of the blackberry and the sweet yet slightly acidic taste characteristic of raspberries. As for the blossoms, before the fruit forms, the Medana Tayberry displays small, white to pale pink flowers, which offer a subtle, sweet scent. These blossoms are a precursor to the delicious fruits and are beloved by pollinators. The plant's growth habit and the eye-catching appearance of its fruits make it not only productive but also ornamental in gardens where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Medana Tayberry, Tayberry
Common names
Rubus 'Medana Tayberry'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Tayberry is not commonly recognized as a poisonous plant to humans. In fact, tayberries are grown for their edible fruit, which is a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry. However, like with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible and caution should be exercised when trying any new food for the first time. If an individual was to show symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought immediately.
To pets
Tayberry plants are generally not toxic to pets. The fruit of the tayberry is edible and should not cause harm if ingested by pets. However, it is essential for pet owners to be cautious as overeating the fruit could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the high fiber content. If any adverse reactions are observed after a pet consumes tayberries, it would be advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: The plant produces tayberries, which are a cross between raspberries and blackberries, suitable for fresh eating, jams, and desserts.
- Attractive to Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while the fruit can provide food for birds.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its sizeable soft fruit, the tayberry plant can be an attractive addition to garden borders or fruit gardens.
- High Yield Potential: Given the right conditions, tayberry plants can be very productive, with a single plant yielding a substantial crop.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant offers changing seasonal interest from flowering to fruit development and autumn leaf color change.
- Adaptability: Tayberry plants are adaptable to a range of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fabric Dyeing: Tayberry leaves and fruit can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of purple or blue depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary Garnish: The berries can serve as an ornamental garnish for desserts and cocktails, adding a touch of elegance and flavor.
- Aromatherapy: Tayberry leaves can be dried and used in potpourri blends or aromatherapy sachets for their sweet, fruity fragrance.
- Natural Insect Repellent: The leaves of Tayberry plants can be crushed and rubbed onto skin as a mild insect repellent due to their scent.
- Jams and Preserves: Beyond usual consumption, Tayberries make for superior quality jams and preserves that can also serve as thoughtful handmade gifts.
- Landscape Design: Tayberries, due to their attractive canes and the colorful fruit, can be used in ornamental garden designs or as a natural fence when trained against a support.
- Photography Prop: Ripe Tayberries can be used in food photography to add vibrant color and texture to the visual composition.
- Floral Arrangements: Although not commonly used in floristry, Tayberries can be incorporated into floral arrangements for a unique and edible twist.
- Edible Confetti: Freeze-dried Tayberries can be crushed into bits and used as natural, edible confetti for culinary decoration on cakes and pastries.
- Wildlife Habitat: Tayberry plants can provide shelter and a source of food for birds and beneficial insects within a garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tayberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tayberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Productivity: Tayberries, being a hybrid of raspberries and blackberries, are fruitful plants. Their symbolism often includes productivity and abundance, as they bear fruit generously when properly cared for.
- Hybridity: As a cross between two different berry plants, the tayberry represents the blending of ideas or qualities to create something new and improved.
- Adaptation: The development of tayberries suggests adaptability and innovation. The plant symbolizes the ability to thrive in various conditions by combining the strengths of its parent plants.
- Sweetness: The tayberry's sweet flavor embodies pleasure and enjoyment, symbolizing life's sweet moments and the rewards of hard work.
WaterTayberries require consistent moisture, especially when fruits are forming and ripening. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time, which equates to approximately 0.62 to 1.25 gallons for a small to medium-sized plant. During periods of drought or intense heat, you may need to water twice a week. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightTayberries prefer full sun, which means they thrive in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in areas with very hot summers, they can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the most intense heat. Placing them in full sun ensures the best fruit production and healthiest growth.
TemperatureTayberries grow best in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, but fruit production can be adversely affected if the temperature drops below freezing during the blooming season. The maximum temperature they can tolerate without stress is around 90°F, provided they have sufficient water.
PruningTayberries should be pruned to encourage healthy growth, fruit production, and to make harvesting easier. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing all dead, damaged, or diseased canes. After fruiting, remove any canes that have produced fruit, as tayberries fruit on one-year-old canes. Pruning at the correct time helps ensure a robust crop the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTayberries prefer a well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The best soil mix would consist of equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and some sand or perlite to improve drainage. Mulching around the plants will help maintain consistent moisture levels.
RepottingTayberries typically do not need regular repotting as they are planted outdoors. However, if grown in containers, they may need repotting every couple of years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot or transplant tayberries.
Humidity & MistingTayberries are adaptable but perform best with moderate humidity levels. They do not require any special humidity conditions and will generally thrive outdoors in the humidity levels found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow indoors with ample light, cool temperatures, and space for vines.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; train on a support system.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Tayberry, a hybrid berry plant, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. As the seedling emerges and develops, it grows into a young plant with canes, leaves, and a root system. The plant enters a vegetative state in its first year, focusing on growth rather than fruit production. In the second year, the canes (known as floricanes) that grew in the previous season will flower and produce the characteristic long, conical berries during the summer months, after which they die back. New canes, called primocanes, grow simultaneously but will not bear fruit until the following year. After fruiting, the plant goes into senescence in late autumn, shedding leaves and entering dormancy over winter to prepare for the next growing season, continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Tayberry (Rubus 'Medana') is typically propagated by taking softwood cuttings or by tip layering. The most popular method is tip layering, which involves bending a long cane to the ground in the spring or early summer and covering the tip with soil while it is still attached to the parent plant. The tip will develop roots over the growing season, and once rooted, it can be severed from the main plant and transplanted to a new location. This is a simple and effective technique for expanding your Tayberry plants and ensuring genetic consistency, as the new plants will be clones of the parent.
