Lonicera caerulea
honeyberry
A deciduous shrub to 2.5m high, with paired, ovate green leaves, and small white flowers in late spring and early summer. Flowers are followed by edible berries, which are blue-black and oblong-shaped, and develop a white bloom when ready for harvesting
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Black Blue White | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed in summer, removing the berry flesh before sowing, or by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Edible fruit
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Until 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
Pests
May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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