Honeyberry Uspiech

A cultivar of Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica, Lonicera caerulea Uspiech is a medium-sized shrub with an unusual stiff, spiky habit. The small, stiff leaves are grey-green. The flowers appear in winter, and are followed in late June by cylindrical blue berries with a white, waxy bloom and a sweet, tangy flavour with no trace of astringency. Particularly good eaten fresh. The berries are rich in Vitamins C and A and anti-oxidants, and freeze well. Very cold-tolerant and easy to grow.

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