Solo Honeysuckle

Lonicera caerulea ssp. emphyllocalyx

The Solo edible honeysuckle bush is particularly suited for moderate climates like those in Virginia. While we've been growing edible honeysuckle varieties since 1989, harvests have been modest. However, varieties like Maxie and Solo are showing promise for higher yields. The berries of these varieties are expected to be sweeter, with a Brix measurement of 18 (the minimum required for California grapes to be dried into raisins).

Maxie and Solo were bred by Maxine Thompson, who incorporated a Japanese subspecies into her breeding work, resulting in a more adaptable plant with sweeter fruit. These plants are known as Haskap in Japan. The bushes themselves are compact and attractive, with an extended blooming period. The flowers bloom later than other varieties, making them ideal for regions with fluctuating winter temperatures.

• Maxie needs to be pollinated by Solo, though Solo is self-fertile. The fruit size is significantly larger when pollinated by Maxie.
• Spacing: 3-foot circle
• Zones: 3-8

Plant Characteristics

• Pest Resistance: Excellent
• Disease Resistance: Excellent
• Drought Tolerance: Fair
• Heat Tolerance: Very Good
• Humidity Tolerance: Very Good
• Sun Tolerance: Good
• Wet Soil Tolerance: Poor
• Shade Tolerance: Fair
• No Spray: Excellent
• Salt Tolerance: Poor
• Fresh for Kids: Very Good
• Deer Resistance: Fair
• Thorns: No
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Soil Type: Adaptable
• Edible Type: Fruit
• Self-Fertile: Yes

Note: Due to import restrictions, Solo Honeysuckle cannot be shipped to California.

Edible Honeysuckle Care Guide

Edible Honeysuckle are among the first fruits of the season
A unique member of the Honeysuckle family native to Eastern Siberia. This very hardy deciduous species has been a valued fruiting plant for ages and yet is virtually unknown in Europe and America. An attractive small bush, it produces tasty small fruits about the size and flavor of blueberries. Small white, slightly fragrant flowers appear in March. Fruit ripens two weeks before strawberries. Very easy to grow with no pest or disease problems.

Site & Soil
Edible Honeysuckle is a shade-loving plant in all areas except the far north, where it is happy in full sun. It prefers moderately well-drained, yet moist, soil. Mulching with compost, peat moss or decomposed manure helps maintain adequate soil moisture.

Pollination
Honeysuckle is not self-fertile. Plant at least two varieties if fruit is desired. When we ship we sent two different types.

Bearing age
1-2 years after planting.

Hardiness

Honeysuckle bush in snow

One of the hardiest fruiting plants, to minus 40*F minus 40*C (zone3).