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Lonicera caerulea Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™ (Honeyberry)

Honeyberry Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Blue Honeysuckle Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Edible Honeysuckle Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Sweetberry Honeysuckle Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Haskap Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Lonicera caerulea 'Stimul'

Lonicera caerulea Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Honeyberry Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Blue Honeysuckle Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Edible Honeysuckle Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Sweetberry Honeysuckle Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™, Haskap 'Sugar Mountain

Lonicera caerulea Sugar Mountain® Balalaika™ (Honeyberry) is a compact, deciduous shrub with attractive, gray-green leaves and small, funnel-shaped, slightly fragrant, white flowers in early spring. The blossoms give way to large, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm), dark blue berries which ripen in late spring or early summer. Similar to blueberries in taste and looks, they may be eaten directly off the bush or harvested for use in jams, pies or juices. Ideally honeyberries should be planted in pairs or groups, as this will increase the rate of pollination and fruit production. Sugar Mountain Blue variety is a good pollinator. Hand pollination is a good alternative since there is little pollinating insect activity in early spring: lightly brush over the flowers with a small, soft paint brush.

  • Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall and wide (150-180 cm)
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in organically-rich, moist, well-drained soils. This honeyberry will take full sun in cool areas, but appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter areas. Provide consistent moisture in the early years. Some drought tolerance once established. Adapts to a wide range of soils, including acidic or alkaline soil – making it a great alternative for gardeners struggling to grow blueberries. A mulch of well-composted organic matter will help retain moisture.
  • Excellent choice for fruit gardens, this plant may be used for hedges.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is deer resistant and generally pest and disease free.
  • Haskaps flower on old wood, so pruning should occur after harvest. Plants should not be pruned until they have been in the ground for at least three years. Cut back the tips of stems to encourage branching as lateral branches bear more fruit. Older plants (3+ years in the ground) may be renewed by removing dead branches and weak stems in late winter. No more than 25% of the plant should be removed. For best fruit production plant more than one variety
  • Plant in spring when there is no risk of frost. This will enable the plant to get establish over the following summer.
  • Propagate by seed, hardwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 6
Heat Zones 6
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Caprifoliaceae
Genus Lonicera
Common names Honeyberry, Haskap
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early)
Height 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Lonicera hirsuta (Hairy Honeysuckle)
Lonicera dioica (Limber Honeysuckle)
Lonicera flava (Yellow Honeysuckle)
Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’ (Trumpet Honeysuckle)
Lonicera involucrata (Twinberry Honeysuckle)
Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 6
Heat Zones 6
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Caprifoliaceae
Genus Lonicera
Common names Honeyberry, Haskap
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early)
Height 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Lonicera (Honeysuckle) to pick?
Compare Now

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