Honeyberry Honey Bee®

Bred in Canada from a Russian honeyberry as a pollinator for self-sterile varieties, Lonicera caerulea Honey Bee® is a medium-sized, bushy, deciduous shrub with small green leaves. It is fast-growing, and gives very high yields. The small white flowers appear in very early spring, and are followed in late June and early July by cylindrical blue berries which hold well on the bush. When fully ripe, the berries have a white bloom and the flesh is deep-red, sweet with a pleasant, slight astringency. The berries are extremely rich in Vitamins C and A and anti-oxidants, and freeze well. Very cold-tolerant, very easy to grow and disease-resistant. Honeyberry Honey Bee 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 June–early July
Keep: Berries do not keep, but freeze well
Pollination: Needs a pollination partner of another Honeyberry variety
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: to 6’ (1.8m) Spread: to 5’ (1.5m)
Use: Particularly good for juicing and wine-making