About
Lonicera caerulea, the honeyberry, is a deciduous shrub to 2.5 m with paired, ovate, green leaves and small, white flowers in late spring. These are followed by edible, blue-black, oblong berries with a white bloom � harvested for their blueberry-like flavour. An ornamental and productive fruiting shrub for a sunny border.
About the genus
Lonicera, the honeysuckles, are deciduous and evergreen shrubs and climbers with twining stems, simple leaves and tubular or two-lipped flowers that are often very fragrant, followed by red or black berries. Widely grown for hedging, wildlife gardens, and covering fences, walls and pergolas.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil; fruits best in full sun but may be less susceptible to aphids if grown in light shade. Plant two or more shrubs for cross pollination and fruit set. See honeyberry cultivation
PruningUntil established follow Pruning group 1. Thereafter, in early to mid-summer, remove weak or straggly growth, cut up to one-fifth of older stems to ground level and remove tips of young shoots to encourage flowering side shoots
PropagationPropagate by seed in summer, removing the berry flesh before sowing, or by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews