Honeyberry Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing This Superfruit in the UK
Introduction
The honeyberry plant (Lonicera caerulea) is quickly becoming one of the UK’s favourite soft fruits to grow — and for good reason. With its incredible cold hardiness, early harvest, and sweet-tart flavour, this resilient berry bush is perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Also known as Haskap or blue honeysuckle, the honeyberry is a low-maintenance, productive, and nutrient-dense fruit that thrives in the UK climate — even in northern or coastal regions. Whether you’re growing in a large garden, small allotment, or patio container, the honeyberry plant is a top choice for early, healthy crops.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for honeyberry plants in the UK.
What Is a Honeyberry Plant?
The honeyberry plant is a deciduous, fruit-bearing shrub from the honeysuckle family. Native to Russia, Japan, and Canada, it’s adapted to survive extreme cold and short summers, making it ideal for UK conditions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lonicera caerulea |
| Common names | Honeyberry, Haskap, Blue Honeysuckle |
| Mature size | 1–2 metres tall and wide |
| Pollination | Requires 2 different varieties |
| Fruit | Blue-purple, oval berries |
| Taste | Sweet-tart; like blueberry meets blackcurrant |
| Lifespan | 30+ years of fruiting |
| Hardiness | Tolerates -40°C |
Why Grow Honeyberry Plants in the UK?
✅ Cold-hardy — thrives in UK climates, even the north
✅ Early fruiting — harvest in May–June, earlier than strawberries
✅ Low maintenance — very little pruning or feeding
✅ Long lifespan — productive for decades
✅ Superfood status — rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
✅ Few pests or diseases — easy for organic growers
Honeyberry plants are ideal for beginners, and their berries are a fantastic addition to any fruit patch.
Choosing the Best Honeyberry Plant Varieties
Honeyberries need two different cultivars for cross-pollination. Always plant two that flower at the same time.
| Variety | Features |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee | Strong pollinator, reliable, tangy fruit |
| Aurora | Sweet and juicy, vigorous grower |
| Blue Banana | Large berries, mild flavour |
| Wojtek | Early flowering, UK-hardy |
| Boreal Beast | Late flowering, firm fruit |
| Duet | Compact, ideal for pots |
| Strawberry Sensation | Fruity flavour with unique sweetness |
💡 Tip: For UK gardens, pair Aurora + Honey Bee or Wojtek + Duet for strong pollination and flavour balance.
Where and When to Plant a Honeyberry Plant
📍 Best Location
- Full sun (minimum 6 hours/day)
- Well-drained, fertile soil
- Open air flow but sheltered from extreme wind
📅 When to Plant
- Autumn to early spring (bare-root plants)
- Spring and summer (container-grown)
How to Plant a Honeyberry Plant (Step-by-Step)
- Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball
- Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil
- Plant at the same level as in the pot
- Space 1.5–2 metres apart (unless using compact types)
- Water in thoroughly
- Add a 5cm mulch layer to retain moisture and reduce weeds
Growing Honeyberry Plants in Pots
Yes! Honeyberry plants grow well in containers.
Container Tips:
- Use a minimum 45cm-wide pot
- Use loam-based compost (John Innes No.3 recommended)
- Feed in spring with a general-purpose fruit fertiliser
- Water regularly and deeply
- Repot or refresh compost every 2–3 years
Best varieties for pots: Duet, Blue Velvet, or Strawberry Sensation
Caring for Your Honeyberry Plant
| Task | Frequency & Tips |
|---|---|
| Watering | Weekly during dry spells or first-year growth |
| Feeding | Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring |
| Mulching | Every spring with compost or bark |
| Pruning | Light prune in winter from year 3 onwards |
| Weeding | Keep base clear to reduce competition |
Honeyberries require minimal attention — perfect for busy gardeners.
Pruning a Honeyberry Plant
- In years 1–2: No pruning needed
- Year 3 onwards:
- Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches
- Thin out to maintain open shape
- Cut ⅓ of oldest stems every few years to rejuvenate
Avoid heavy pruning — honeyberries fruit on 1–2-year-old wood.
When Do Honeyberry Plants Fruit?
- Flowering: March to April
- Harvest: Late May to early July
- Peak yield: Year 3 onwards
- Mature bush yield: Up to 3–5kg per plant annually
Use bird netting as berries ripen — they’re a favourite of blackbirds and starlings!
How to Harvest Honeyberries
- Berries are ripe when fully blue, soft, and sweet
- Gently pull from the stem — ripe berries come off easily
- Alternatively, lay a sheet under the bush and shake gently
- Pick every few days as they ripen in stages
Common Problems with Honeyberry Plants
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No fruiting | Only one variety planted | Add second compatible cultivar |
| Early flowering frost damage | Mild frost tolerance | Cover with fleece if needed |
| Bird damage | Birds love the fruit | Use fruit netting at ripening |
| Sparse growth | Poor soil or overcrowding | Add compost, prune lightly |
| Yellowing leaves | Nutrient deficiency | Apply balanced fertiliser |
Honeyberries are generally pest-free and disease-resistant.
What Do Honeyberries Taste Like?
- A mix of blueberry, blackcurrant, grape, and elderberry
- Sweet-tart with a juicy, soft texture
- Flavour intensifies with ripeness
- Ideal for eating fresh, making jam, or baking
Health Benefits of Honeyberry Fruit
| Nutrient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Anthocyanins | Powerful antioxidants for heart, brain, and cells |
| Vitamin C | Immune support and skin repair |
| Fibre | Digestive and heart health |
| Low sugar | Diabetic-friendly fruit option |
| Polyphenols | May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress |
Often considered more nutritious than blueberries!
Culinary Uses for Honeyberries
| Use | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Fresh eating | Juicy and refreshing straight off the bush |
| Jam and jelly | High pectin makes it quick to set |
| Smoothies | Great blended with banana or oats |
| Baking | Excellent in pies, crumbles, muffins |
| Fermentation | Ideal for wine, gin, kombucha |
| Freezing | Freeze whole for use all year |
Where to Buy Honeyberry Plants in the UK
- Online nurseries like Pomona Fruits, Ashridge Trees, Blackmoor, and Thompson & Morgan
- Local garden centres with soft fruit sections
- RHS flower shows and plant fairs
Always buy two compatible named cultivars for pollination and fruiting.
Conclusion
The honeyberry plant is a fantastic addition to any UK garden, offering flavourful, nutritious berries early in the season with minimal effort. Hardy, pest-resistant, and long-lived, honeyberries are ideal for anyone wanting to expand their edible garden with something a little different.
With just two plants and a bit of sun, you can enjoy your own supply of superfruits for years to come.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Honeyberry Plants
1. Are honeyberry plants easy to grow?
Yes — they’re extremely hardy, low-maintenance, and productive.
2. Do I need two plants for fruit?
Yes — honeyberry plants need a second, different variety to cross-pollinate.
3. When do honeyberries fruit in the UK?
Between late May and early July, depending on the variety.
4. How big do honeyberry plants grow?
Most grow to 1–2 metres tall and wide, depending on the type.
5. Can I grow honeyberry plants in pots?
Yes — choose a compact variety and use a 45cm+ pot with loamy compost.
6. What do honeyberries taste like?
Sweet-tart — like a mix of blueberries, blackcurrants, and grapes.
7. Are honeyberries healthy?
Very! They’re packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fibre.
8. Do birds eat honeyberries?
Yes — protect ripening fruit with bird netting.
9. How long do honeyberry plants live?
With care, 30–40 years or more of productivity.
10. Where can I buy honeyberry plants?
From UK nurseries online, garden centres, or RHS shows.