What is Honeyberry (Blue Honeysuckle)?
Imagine a berry bush that produces a harvest even before strawberries have had time to ripen – sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Honeyberry, also known as blue honeysuckle, is an exciting and easy-to-grow shrub that rewards you with vitamin-rich, elongated blue berries early in summer. The berries have a fresh sweet-and-tangy flavour reminiscent of a mix between raspberries, blackcurrants and blueberries. The shrub belongs to the honeysuckle family and is botanically named Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica. Internationally, it is often referred to as haskap or honeyberry, but in Swedish it is commonly called blåbärstry.
Honeyberry is deciduous and usually grows to around 1–2 metres in height, with a bushy growth habit. It is both ornamental and very hardy – perfect for gardens in northern climates. Unlike common garden blueberries, honeyberry does not require acidic soil; it thrives in ordinary, humus-rich garden soil. It is also extremely cold-hardy. Many varieties tolerate conditions up to hardiness zone 7 (and some up to zone 6), meaning honeyberry can be grown in almost the entire country. In spring, the shrub blooms with small yellowish-white flowers that are highly attractive to bumblebees and bees. The flowers tolerate frost, so even in cold climates they are able to set fruit reliably.
There are several named varieties of honeyberry available, developed in countries such as Russia, Poland and Canada. In Swedish gardens, popular cultivars include ‘Altaj’, ‘Atut’, ‘Duet’, ‘Wojtek’ and ‘Bakczarskaja’. These varieties are valued for their excellent berry quality and reliable yields under Nordic conditions. All honeyberry shrubs produce edible blue berries early in summer, which can be eaten fresh, frozen, or made into jam and juice. They are also considered a true superberry – rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, almost on par with blackcurrants. In summary, honeyberry is an excellent berry shrub for beginners: easy to care for, very hardy, and quick to produce a harvest.
How to Plant Honeyberry
Honeyberry is easy to plant and establish. You can plant the shrubs in both spring and autumn, although many prefer autumn planting since honeyberry awakens very early in spring. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location for best yields. Full sun produces the most berries, but light partial shade is also acceptable as long as the soil remains moist. Prepare the planting site by digging a generous planting hole (approximately 40–50 cm deep and wide) per shrub. Mix the excavated soil with compost or planting soil to create a humus-rich, well-drained growing medium. Honeyberry prefers evenly moist soil that retains water without becoming waterlogged. Avoid heavy, poorly drained clay soils; if necessary, improve them with gravel and organic matter before planting.
An important tip is to plant at least two different honeyberry varieties near each other. The shrubs are not self-pollinating, so having two or more varieties that flower at the same time ensures proper pollination and results in a much larger and tastier harvest. Space the shrubs about 1–2 metres apart when planting individually. If creating a low berry hedge, plant them closer together, around 50–70 cm apart.
Before planting, water the root ball thoroughly. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole at the same depth it was growing previously (honeyberry does not need deep planting). Fill in with soil, gently firm it down, and water generously. A deep watering helps the roots establish. Applying a layer of organic mulch (such as grass clippings or bark mulch) helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Honeyberry also grows very well in large containers or raised beds, provided the container is spacious, has drainage holes, and is watered more frequently than plants grown in the ground.
Care and Placement
One of the reasons honeyberry is ideal for beginners is that it is very low maintenance. With a suitable location and decent soil, the shrub largely takes care of itself.
Watering: Honeyberry prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment and warm summers. Water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. Deep watering less frequently is better than light daily watering. Once established, the shrub tolerates some drought, but consistent moisture improves yields.
Fertilising: Honeyberry is not particularly demanding, but it benefits from light feeding. Apply berry fertiliser or well-rotted manure in spring when growth begins. Compost worked into the soil also works well. Avoid over-fertilising.
Placement: Honeyberry thrives in sun to partial shade. In northern regions, full sun is preferable, while in southern areas some midday shade is acceptable. The shrub is perennial and long-lived, producing crops for decades without relocation. It withstands cold winters without protection, although container-grown plants may need winter insulation.
Pruning: Newly planted shrubs usually require no pruning for the first few years. From the third year onwards, remove a few of the oldest branches at ground level in early spring to encourage new growth. Heavy pruning is rarely necessary. For neglected shrubs, a full rejuvenation prune to 30–40 cm above ground in late winter can restore productivity.
Protecting the berries: Birds may be attracted to ripe berries. If necessary, cover the shrub with bird netting just before ripening, ensuring it is securely fastened to prevent birds from getting trapped.
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Plant multiple varieties for pollination: Honeyberry requires cross-pollination. Plant at least two different varieties close together for best results.
No special soil required: Unlike American blueberries, honeyberry does not need acidic soil. Ordinary garden soil is sufficient.
Hardiness and climate: Honeyberry is extremely hardy, tolerating zones 6–7. Early flowers withstand frost, making it suitable even for northern and inland climates.
Growing in containers or small gardens: Honeyberry grows well in large pots. Use quality potting soil and water regularly. Protect the container in winter if necessary.
Pests and diseases: Honeyberry is rarely affected by serious pests or diseases. Occasionally caterpillars may feed on leaves, but damage is usually minimal.
Do not confuse with fly honeysuckle: Always purchase from reputable nurseries. Fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) has red, toxic berries, whereas honeyberry has elongated blue fruits.
When Can You Harvest?
One of honeyberry’s greatest advantages is its early harvest. Flowering occurs in April (sometimes March in southern regions), with berries ripening from late May to June in southern areas and into July further north. Berries should be deep blue and left on the bush for 7–10 days after colouring to fully develop sweetness. Ripe berries detach easily.
Harvest gently by hand, or place a sheet under the bush and shake lightly to collect ripe berries. Expect modest yields the first year, increasing significantly after a few seasons. Mature shrubs may produce several kilograms per plant.
Honeyberries are delicious fresh, in yoghurt, smoothies, jams, juices, desserts and baked goods. They freeze very well and keep several days refrigerated. After harvest, no special care is needed; the shrub prepares naturally for the next season.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2026-01-08