Keiko Honeyberry- Late Blooming
A newish selection of Japanese Honeyberry and one that is very late ripening and maximizes the early summer sun for maximum sweetness. Fruits ripen at the very end of June or early July depending on the weather and bear great crops of large, rounded fruits that are somewhat heart shaped. A great choice for fresh eating as well as for juicing.
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 var. emphyllocalyx
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: 5 ft by 5 ft
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Skin: Blue
Fruit Size: 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