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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

Other common names
blue-berried honeysuckle
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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

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