Why Grow Honeyberries?

If you have ever attempted to grow blueberries in the UK, you will know the struggle of maintaining perfectly acidic soil. Enter the Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea), also known as the Blue Honeysuckle or Haskap. These hardy shrubs are rapidly gaining popularity across Britain because they offer a similar antioxidant-rich "superfood" punch to blueberries but are significantly easier to grow.

Native to Siberia and Northern Japan, Honeyberries are incredibly tough. They are fully hardy in the British climate and actually require a cold winter to reset, making them perfect for gardens from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. Growing them in containers is an excellent strategy, allowing you to manage their growth and move them into prime positions when the fruit ripens.

Selecting the Right Container

Honeyberries have a fibrous root system that enjoys room to spread, so selecting the correct pot is the first step to success. While they are shrubs, they do not require vast amounts of space, but a container with good depth is essential to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly during a warm British summer.

For a contemporary patio or a modern city garden, you might consider using zinc square planters. These durable containers provide a sharp, architectural contrast to the shrub’s soft green foliage. They are available in finishes such as matte black, matte grey, white, matte copper, or gloss black, allowing you to match the planter to your outdoor furniture.

If your garden aesthetic leans more towards the traditional or cottage style, up to 60cm wood square planters are a fantastic option. Available in natural wood, black, or grey, these planters offer excellent insulation for the roots during winter and blend naturally with stone or brickwork.

For those looking to create a statement piece or grow a mature bush to its full potential, size is key. 65cm to 90cm diameter rustic whisky barrels provide a massive volume of soil, which helps retain moisture and nutrients. Whether you choose faded silver rings, rustic rings, or painted black rings, these barrels offer a charming, rustic look that suits the rugged nature of the Honeyberry plant.

Soil and Planting

Unlike blueberries, which demand ericaceous (acidic) compost, Honeyberries are unfussy. They prefer a soil pH of 6.5, which is close to neutral. A mixture of good quality John Innes No. 3 compost mixed with a little garden compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. To ensure drainage—essential for container gardening—mix in some horticultural grit or perlite.

When planting, ensure the crown of the plant sits just level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the roots.

The Importance of Partnerships

There is one golden rule with Honeyberries: you must plant two. While some varieties claim self-fertility, you will get a significantly larger harvest and better-quality fruit if you grow two different varieties to cross-pollinate. Grouping your pots together on the patio not only looks attractive but ensures the bees can hop easily between the bushes.

Flowering and Fruiting Timeline

One of the greatest benefits of the Honeyberry is how early it crops, providing fresh fruit when the rest of the garden is still waking up.

• Flowering: You can expect to see small, trumpet-shaped yellowish-white flowers appearing in late February to March. Do not worry about the late frosts common in the UK; these flowers are incredibly resilient and can withstand temperatures as low as -7°C without damage.
• Fruiting: The berries ripen very early, typically ready for harvest in May or June, often two weeks before the first strawberries are ready. The fruits look like elongated blueberries and have a unique flavour profile—often described as a cross between a raspberry, a blueberry, and a blackcurrant with a slight "zing."

Ongoing Care

Watering: This is the most critical aspect of container gardening. Honeyberries do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, but they hate drying out. Check your pots regularly, especially during dry spells in May as the fruit is swelling.

Feeding: In early spring, just before the buds break, apply a general-purpose balanced fertiliser. A liquid feed high in potassium (like tomato feed) applied once the fruit sets will help boost the harvest.

Pruning: For the first three to four years, very little pruning is required other than removing dead or damaged wood. Once the bush is established, prune in late winter to remove older wood and encourage fresh growth, keeping the centre of the bush open to sunlight.

By choosing the right spot on your patio and the correct vessel, growing Honeyberries can be a rewarding, low-maintenance addition to your edible garden, bridging the "hungry gap" of late spring with delicious, home-grown fruit.