Introducing...

Edible honeysuckle (honeyberry)

Botanical name: Lonicera

Honeyberry is one of the common names for the edible form of honeysuckle (Lonicera). The most commonly planted is Lonicera caerulea. This versatile shrub can be grown for its ornamental value in summer as well as for a tasty supply of blueberry-like fruits.

Looks

A compact deciduous shrub with an upright habit. The sea-green leaves create a handsome backdrop for the small creamy-white flowers that appear in early summer. These are followed by tempting oblong, blue-black berries with a white bloom to their skin.

Likes

Grow honeyberry in any fertile soil that drains easily; in sun or light shade. Plant them in groups of two or more to ensure good pollination for a successful crop.

Dislikes

This plant resents excessively wet or extremely dry soil and will not flower and fruit reliably in shade.

Did you know?

Only eat the berries from known honeyberry shrubs, as all other honeysuckle berries are toxic if eaten in large quantities!

Growing guide

Buy honeysuckles from RHSplants.co.uk

Every purchase supports the work of the RHS

Useful advice

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Cuttings: hardwood

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Get involved

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