Boreal Beast Honeyberry
One of the best selections from the University of Saskatchewan’s Honeyberry breeding program, Boreal Beast features incredibly large fruits that flower late and ripen 2-3 weeks later than most varieties. Yields are so large that this variety amongst many others is being utilized as a commercial crop in Canada. Boreal Beast is also much more vigorous than most of the other honeyberry varieties we grow. We’re so grateful to our neighbors to the north for furthering honeyberry breeding with their fantastic new selections.
Late Blooming Honeyberry Varieties
These varieties bloom up to 2 months later in the NW region than the early blooming varieties. Later blooming means that more bees and other insects are available for pollination and fruit set is significantly better. These varieties are also good for east of the Cascade Mountains, and other colder regions of the US.
Latin Name: Lonicera caerulea
Site and Soil: Honeyberry likes 1/2 day to full sun in the Pacific Northwest and other cool regions, partial shade in hot regions, and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
Pollination Requirements: Two varieties with similar bloom time are needed for cross-pollination.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40º F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 2-3 ft. in height
Taste: Sweet-tart
Fruit Skin: Blue
Fruit Size: Very large
Bloom Time: March
Ripening Time: June
Yield: 5-10 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: To deter birds, use mylar flash tape or cover plants with netting. Powdery mildew is common fungal disease that affects Honeyberry plants, but doesn’t cause significant damage.
USDA Zone: 3
Sunset Western Zone: A1-A3; 1-3
Sunset Northeast Zone: 31-45