Honeyberry Siniczka

A medium-sized, long-lived, deciduous shrub, Lonicera caerulea Siniczka has an erect habit and medium growth-rate. The small leaves are green. The small cream-coloured, tubular flowers appear in very early spring, and are followed in late May or early June by cylindrical blue berries, large for a honeyberry, with a white, waxy bloom and a sweet, tangy, very aromatic taste when ripe. The berries are rich in Vitamins C and A and anti-oxidants, and freeze well. Very cold-tolerant and easy to grow. Honeyberry Siniczka is a good nectar source for pollinators early in the year, but hand-pollination may be necessary.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Almost any soil, well-drained preferred
Position: Full sun
Pick: Late May–early June
Keep: Berries do not keep, but freeze well
Pollination: Needs a pollination partner of another Honeyberry variety
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: to 5’ (1.5m) Spread: to 5’ (1.5m)
Use: Eating fresh, cooking, preserves, juicing and wine-making