Plant of the Week: Honeyberry

Originating from Russia, the honeyberry is a member of the honeysuckle family and produces blueberry-like berries. With a flavor close to a raspberry/blackberry and bell shaped fruit, the honeyberry is packed with more antioxidants than the blueberry. Due to its ability to withstand cold winters, grow in a variety of soils, and produce around 10 lbs of fruit a year, the honeyberry is gaining popularity in North America.   

Plant Care:

Honeyberries are perennial plants that grow in most soils and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels (4.5-8.5). Fairly easy to grow and maintain, any gardener should keep in mind that this plant will grow to 5-7 feet tall and wide, so ensuring enough space for honeyberries to grow is crucial. 

As with many fruit bearing shrubs, a mulch around the shrub will keep the soil moist and add organic matter to the soil. Compost, organic matter, and organic fertilizers can be added if needed. Organic matter can be incorporated in the spring to help with root and fruit development, but in most cases, there should be enough nutrients to sustain honeyberry plants. 

Pollination is a crucial part in getting fruit from your honeyberry bush. Honeyberries need a different variety of honeyberry that blooms in the same time frame in order to produce fruit. As a result, make sure you have room for at least 2 shrubs!

Diseases and Pests:

Very disease and insect resistant. A common pest that may become a problem are birds.

If you have a fruit/vegetable/herb that you would like to learn how to grow, email gardencrossing@gmail.com and you may see it in upcoming "Plant of the Week" posts!

Peas and Carrots!