Photo: "ハスカップの実" by Morigen · CC BY-SA 3.0

Fruit · Cold-climate-berry

Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs

Perennial · Caprifoliaceae

Berry Blue honeyberry is an ultra-early berry shrub that ripens before strawberries in climates cool enough to suit it. The elongated blue fruit tastes like a tart blueberry-plum blend, and the plant thrives in places where summer blueberries can struggle. It suits gardeners in cold-winter climates who can plant a compatible second variety for pollination.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

Sun

6+ hours

full sun to light afternoon shade in warmer zones

Spacing

36–120 "

Container

Not Ideal

15+ gallon pot

Height

3–6 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 40°F

Harden Off 0 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate

Method Drip

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter; woody fruit hates waterlogging.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Very-high Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

powdery-mildew

Cause: Dense growth and humid weather favor fungal disease.

Prevention: Prune for airflow, mulch, and avoid overhead irrigation.

bird-pressure

Cause: Ripening fruit attracts birds quickly.

Prevention: Net shrubs or vines before the crop colors.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Fruit reaches full cultivar color, detaches cleanly, and tastes fully developed; exact signs vary by crop.

Expected Yield 3–15 lbs/plant

Storage 5 days — Refrigerate and use quickly; fruit is delicate when fully ripe.

Sources

seed_catalog Bob Wells Nursery university University of Maryland Extension university Utah State University Extension

More Fruits

Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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