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ShrubsFruit Edible

Lonicera caerulea var. edulis

honeyberry

A winter-flowering, deciduous shrub about 1.2-1.5m tall, with sea-green leaves. Pairs of yellowish-white flowers to 1.5cm long are produced in the leaf axils from early to late winter. Large, edible blue berries with a white bloom, ripen in late spring and early summer, the flesh turning burgundy-red and sweet

Other common names
edible honeysuckle
Synonyms
Lonicera edulis

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Blue White
Autumn Yellow
Winter Yellow White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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
E Asia

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow this edible shrubby honeysuckle in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Edible fruit
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 2. Keep pruning to a minimum for the first three years, then remove weak or damaged stems and relieve congestion by removing some of the older stems back to their base. The remaining young stems can be lightly pruned to encourage sideshoots in early to midsummer, immediately after the harvest.

Pests

May be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)

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