Blue Velvet Honeyberry

Lonicera caerulea var. edulis 'Blue Velvet'

A late-blooming cultivar that grows to 3'-4' tall and wide. It has unusual greyish green, velvety leaves and interesting shredding bark. The soft and oval fruit is flavorful, with high amounts of ascorbic acid and bioactive flavonoides. The flavor is somewhat like a cross between blueberry and blackberry. Use late-bloomers Blue Pacific or Blue Moon as pollinizers.

Late-blooming varieties are especially well-suited for areas that experience variable spring weather. Small, creamy yellow, funnel-shaped flowers appear in February or March and are a valuable source of early nectar for pollinators. New to America, but widely grown in Russia, China and Northern Japan where it is called Haskap. Plants prefer sun (in cool locations), or morning sun (in warmer regions), and well-drained soil. Select two different varieties for pollination. USDA Zones 2-8.