Blue honeyberry

Lonicera caerulea Kamtschatica

The blue honeyberry originates from Asia, but is also doing well in the Netherlands. It is a very hardy, graceful, fruit-bearing shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters high. The fruits are very healthy, resemble blueberries, contain a lot of vitamin C and are very juicy. The flesh is soft and has a sweet taste. They can be eaten fresh, but are also very suitable for juices, jams, marmalade or with pancakes or crumble. Birds also love these sweet berries.

Pollination
Self-pollinating, but putting several plants together will improve production.

Prune
in winter at your own discretion. It is best to cut off crossing branches. The shrubs can also be used as hedges.

Fertilization
The plants must be fed annually with compost.

Additional information about the plant: Fruits
The fruits of the blue honeyberry are relatively unknown. It is therefore important that you pick these in the right way so that you get the right taste experience from this special fruit.

The fruits of the blue honeyberry are best picked from May to June. When the berries start to turn blue, leave them hanging on the plant for another 10 days. If you have many birds in the area, it is preferable to stretch a net over the fruit-bearing parts of the blue honeyberry. This is also a real treat for birds.

The location of the blue honeyberry is certainly not unimportant. The blue honeyberry likes a sunny spot, which makes the fruits sweeter.

The taste of the blue honeyberry is reminiscent of that of the blueberry with a fresh undertone.