Interesting Berries
It wasn't that long ago that the idea of growing a Cranberry in the UK was considered more than interesting! But as the interest in 'superfoods' has increased so has the quest for growing the more and more 'exotic', something we are interested in ourselves! Surprisingly there are many interesting, exotic and superfoods that can easily be grown in the UK, even outside.
To this end we are now not only growing Cranberries (obviously), but also such delights as Bilberries, Chokeberries, wineberries and lots more! So what better way to make a truly productive kitchen garden or allotment than with the addition of an interesting berry or two? Originating in their wild form from scrubland or woodland areas across this interesting group of berries (they are not all related by family or genus), all can be grown in containers or the ground alike.
Superfood are so named, thanks to the high vitamin and antioxidant content of the fruit. These berries can be eaten raw, used in jams and jellies, or dried, stored and used in cooking and baking as required. Although Cranberries and Huckleberries in particular are well known as an American export, they can easily be grown right here in the UK. Bilberry plants have also naturalised into many a hedgerow or scrubland.
Many of these plants require acidic soil conditions to thrive (check our individual descriptions of the plants); if you're planning on planting these in open ground, then you will need to ensure that your soil is enriched with ericaceous soil or compost, so that the pH is around 4.5 - 5.5.
We supply pot-grown berry plants direct from our nursery in Kent, with each plant pruned to the appropriate height. And you needn't worry about cross-fertilisation, as each variety that we offer is self-fertile, meaning it requires no pollination partner in order to produce those nutrient rich berries!
Bilberry Plant
Slated to be the next 'new' super fruit. A popular fruit amongst foragers. Closely related to the Blueberry though the fruits are smaller. Self fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 6" (15 cm) tall including pot.
Blueberry Bush 'Hortblue Petite'
Self fertile. Fruits twice a year with delicious blueberries, so worthwhile growing. A compact variety that produces large dark fruit.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Chokeberry Bush 'Nero'
Hardy and self fertile. Nero reaches about 4 feet tall with large black berries and has stunning red Autumn foliage. Fruits make lovely pies, jams, jelly and wine.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Chokeberry Bush 'Viking'
Hardy and self fertile. Pretty white Spring flowers are followed by an Autumn crop of large black/purple berries which are great for juice or jam. Has stunning Autumn leaf colour.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Chokeberry 'Hugin'
Pretty white Spring flowers are followed by an Autumn crop of dark black berries. A beautiful shrub in its own right with stunning Autumn colour. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Cranberry 'Early Black'
A popular American variety of Cranberry. Produces large juicy red-purple fruits from late August. Possibly the earliest fruiting variety. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 18" (45 cm) tall (including pot).
Goji Berry Plant
First introduced to the UK in the 1600's, so not quite the new superfruit that many believe they are! Fresh fruit is gorgeously sweet. Easy to grow and can even be used for hedging.
Available Now
Supplied as potted plant approximately 8" - 10" (20 - 25 cm) tall including pot
Japanese Wineberry
Unbelievably sweet orange-red to dark red berries of delicious flavour. Vigorous and upright habit. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Jostaberry Bush
A hybrid cross of a Gooseberry and a Blackcurrant. Purple black fruits can be cooked or eaten raw when fully ripe. Excellent pest and disease resistance. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a bare root plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including roots.
Loganberry 'Ly 654'
Cross between a Raspberry and Blackberry. The thornless clone of the best known of the hybrid berries. Delicious cone-shaped berries have a pleasant sharpness.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
Mountain Cranberry
Also known as Lingonberry or Cowberry. Masses of tiny red berries are produced twice a year. Low spreading habit. Evergreen. Very hardy. Self Fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 8" (20 cm) tall (including pot).
Tayberry
A cross between a Blackberry and a Raspberry. Consistently produces heavy crops of dark red juicy fruits. Copes well with colder climates. Self fertile.
Available Now
Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 2 feet (60 cm) tall including pot.
