Fruit Type: Tayberry
Botanical Name: Rubus × tayberry
Fruit Colour: Deep red to reddish-purple
Growth Habit: Vigorous, arching deciduous shrub
Final Height: Approx. 1.5–2.5 m (with support)
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pollination: Self-fertile
Hardiness: Suitable for outdoor growing once established

Tayberry is a distinctive fruit shrub created by crossing a blackberry with a raspberry, first developed in Scotland near the River Tay. It combines characteristics of both parents to produce large, juicy berries with a rich and complex flavour.

This plant produces elongated berries in deep red to reddish-purple shades. The flavour is sweet with a pleasant tart note and aromatic depth, making the fruit well suited to fresh eating, pies, tarts, jams, jellies, and freezing for later use. Harvest typically takes place from mid to late summer, often from July into August.

Tayberry grows as a vigorous deciduous shrub with long, arching canes that benefit from support such as trellis wires or a framework, similar to raspberries or blackberries. When mature, it can spread outward but remains well suited to garden borders or larger containers when properly managed.

For best results, plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered position supports optimal flowering and fruit development. Regular moisture during flowering and fruit set contributes to high-quality yields.

Tayberries are self-fertile and do not require a second plant for pollination, although planting more than one may enhance overall yield.

We select our fruit plants with winter hardiness in mind, ensuring suitability for outdoor cultivation in our climate once properly established.

For gardeners seeking a berry with distinctive character, generous summer harvests, and flavour that bridges raspberry and blackberry, tayberry remains a rewarding and productive choice.