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A very unique plant,
Honeyberry is actually a species of Honeysuckle with sweet and tasty
fruit. The Honeysuckle family consists of over 200 species of vines and
bushes, almost all of which are used solely as decorative plants. This
very hardy species is a small bush native to Eastern Siberia and the
Russian Far East, where, from ancient times, the native people have
gathered and consumed the fruit in large quantities. Honeyberry is
particularly valued for its tasty blueberry–like fruit, its extremely
early ripening, at least two weeks before strawberries, and for its
exceptional hardiness, to below minus 40° F.
How To Grow
Site & Soil:
Honeyberry is not too fussy about soils and climate. Moist soils are best,
either naturally or with irrigation. It will not survive, however, in very
wet areas where the ground water is at the surface for long periods of
time. As with most fruit and berry plants, good light exposure is
important. In the Willamette Valley and other regions where the summers
are relatively hot, partial shade is recommended. Plants can be spaced
four to five feet apart. To maintain adequate soil moisture, mulching with
compost, peat moss or other similar material is helpful. Water regularly
during dry spells. For healthy, vigorous growth, apply compost, composted
manure, or other fertilizer in fall or early spring.
 Pollination:
Not self–fertile. Plant at least two varieties if fruit is desired.
Hardiness:
One of the very hardiest fruiting plants - to minus 40° F, Zones 3–7.
Bearing Age:
First or second year after planting.
Pests and Diseases:
No insect or disease damage has been observed or reported. Birds love the
fruit, so netting the bushes may be necessary.
Pruning:
Removal of dead branches is the only pruning recommended during the first
three to five years after planting. After this, every two to three years in early spring,
before growth begins, remove broken branches and thin out weak and small
shoots from the center of the bush.
Note: We purchased our plants from a neighbor's nursery,
One Green World online at
www.onegreenworld.com.
[ Click here
to see when they are flowering on our farm. ]
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