Solo Honeyberry
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.