There are two different kinds of plants: ones with thorns, and the newer thornless varieties. On the traditional plants, the thorns are extremely hard and sharp, but the flavor of the berries is worth it. They also tolerate the cold temperatures here in western New York State well. The thornless variety has a flavor I don't personally care for, but others don't notice a difference, and still others prefer them. They are wonderful to maintain and pick though, but the canes don't survive the winter quite as well. We lose between 20 and 100% of the canes each year here. A few years back, after several years in a row of total cane loss, I stood in front of that patch and said, "if there is no fruit next year I'm digging you up and planting blueberries here." The next summer we had a good crop. Talking to your plants does work! (I'm sure we just had a milder winter finally.) I confess, I do talk to the plants sometime while weeding, in a nicer way. And then there was the conversations with the chipmunk a couple years ago who was causing so much trouble and even built a den under the garden between the bigger veggies. He (or she) would pop out of the hole and look at me weeding. I would chastise him for eating my veggies and remind him there were many other things to eat elsewhere. He sat up, looked at me, and in a rather unpleasant tone scolded me for being in HIS garden! We had this exchange several times that summer!
The variety with thorns we grow is Illini. The thornless variety is Triple Crown. I recommend trying the actual berries you choose to plant if at all possible.
Have a joyous and blessed day!
