Illiny Hardy

This blackberry variety specially selected for regions, which are too cold for successfully growing blackberry. Illiny Hardy is thorny and erect, height of plants is moderate 1-1,5 m, after this height plants begin to arch. Cultivar produces most of its root suckers within 25 to 30 cm, suckering is limited (from 6 to 10 stems). Stems are large in diameter (from 2 to 3 cm at the beginning). As the floricane matures, the mature stems become reddish brown. The primocanes emerge beginning in the middle of May and continue to emerge through the month of July. Thorns are long and sharp.
Plants bloom in May, last flowers can be seen on the bushes up to late June. The flowers are white and contain a branched cymose inflorescence. Berries ripen from mid to late July (very depend of region). Color is black, glossiness is retained even when the fruit is overripe. The flavor of the fruit is acidic but flavorful, and resembles the flavor of wild blackberries. 
Illiny Hardy has survived temperatures as low as minus 30 C, that is one of the best results from all known blackberry varieties.