Loganberry

Loganberry is the beloved raspberry–blackberry hybrid whose deep crimson berries and complex, wine-sweet flavor helped shape the berry culture and industry of the Pacific Northwest. Bred in 1881 by Judge J. H. Logan in Santa Cruz, California, this heritage variety arose from a cross between the native Pacific trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus ‘Aughinbaugh’) and the European red raspberry ‘Red Antwerp’ [1][2]. This hybrid vigor gives it vigorous trailing canes, rich flavor, and high adaptability in cool coastal climates [3][4].

Note: The original ‘Logan’ was thorny, but we carry a newer Thornless selection! See COMPARISON TABLE between Logan, Marion, and Black Diamond at the bottom.

Edible Uses

Large, deep-red berries deliver a balanced sweet-tart flavor with subtle wine-like notes. They’re prized fresh, in pies, jams, syrups, cordials, and wines, and valued commercially for high anthocyanin and phenolic content that lend rich color and aroma to processed fruit products [3][7].

Ornamental Qualities

White spring blossoms and long, arching canes make Loganberry a striking trellised edible. Its crimson berries glow against dark foliage, while a light pruning keeps a tidy, classic heritage-garden look [4][8]. Pair with other cane-berries such as Marionberry or Black Diamond for staggered harvests, or allow a native Serviceberry or currant act as a living trellis for Logan.  

Environment and Culture

Loganberry’s confirmed parentage—R. ursinus × R. idaeus—links it directly to native Pacific genetics [1][2]. That heritage makes it well-suited to the PNW’s maritime climate, where free-draining soil, cool nights, and consistent summer moisture bring the best fruit quality [3][4]. It also makes Loganberry ecologically aligned with native pollinators and local wildlife [1]. Notably, the hybrid went on to later parent other famed berries including Boysenberry, Olallieberry, and Marionberry [2].

Indigenous communities continue to eat and tend R. ursinus as living food and land tradition; honoring that stewardship acknowledges the knowledge behind the flavors we prize today [8] (Learn more & how to help on our Charitable Giving page.)

Harvest, Care, and Preparation

Site & soil: Full sun and well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with organic matter. Avoid heavy or waterlogged sites [4].
Training & pruning: Loganberry fruits on second-year canes (floricanes). Tie first-year primocanes along a two-wire trellis; after harvest, remove spent floricanes [4].
Water & feeding: Keep even moisture through bloom and fruit fill; compost or light organic feed only if growth is weak [4].
Pollination: Self-fertile; bee activity improves fruit set [4].
Harvest: Mid-summer (June–July, sometimes early Aug. in the PNW); berries are fully ripe when deep crimson and detach easily [3][9].

(See Planting Guide in next tab for more info.)

Attributes

References

[1] CABI Compendium — Rubus × loganobaccus parentage.
[2] USDA PLANTS Database — taxonomy & lineage.
[3] OSU Extension — Blackberry Cultivars for Oregon.
[4] OSU Extension — Growing Blackberries in Your Home Garden.
[5] Acta Horticulturae — origin of ‘Lincoln Logan’.
[6] Hall 1987 (Acta Hort.) — thornless mutations of Loganberry.
[7] Food Chemistry & Acta Horticulturae studies — bramble anthocyanins and flavor.
[8] RHS Horticultural Notes — hybrid berry training and care.
[9] OSU Extension — PNW harvest timing for summer-bearing brambles.

Pot Sizing Guide