Sweetberry Honeysuckle Seeds (Lonicera caerulea)

🌿 Sweetberry Honeysuckle Seeds (Lonicera caerulea) 

💰 Price: Package of 5 Seeds

🍇 Lonicera caerulea, commonly known as Blue-berried Honeysuckle or Sweetberry Honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 1.5–2 meters. This hardy plant is native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, making it highly suited for cold climates. It is particularly valued for its blue berries, which are approximately 1 cm in diameter and have a sweet, tangy flavor, making them popular for gardens and landscaping.

The leaves of the Blue-berried Honeysuckle are oval, ranging from 3–8 cm long and 1–3 cm broad, with a slightly waxy, glaucous green appearance. In early spring, the shrub produces yellowish-white flowers that are 12–16 mm long, consisting of five equal lobes. The flowers appear in pairs on the shoots and have a delicate fragrance.

This plant is well-suited for growing in cold regions, as it can withstand extreme temperatures of up to -40°C. Its hardiness and low-maintenance care make it an excellent choice for gardeners in colder climates who want to enjoy fresh, homegrown berries.

🌱 Cultivation & Propagation:

The propagation of Lonicera caerulea is relatively simple, though it requires some patience:

• Cold Stratification: Stored seeds require 2 months of cold stratification. It's best to sow them as soon as possible after this period in a cold frame.

• Seedling Care: Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be carefully pricked out and transferred into individual pots. These seedlings should be grown in a greenhouse for at least their first winter to help them establish.

• Transplanting: In late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, transplant the young plants into their permanent positions in the garden.

• Cuttings: Half-ripe wood cuttings (7-10 cm) with or without a heel can be taken in July/August and rooted in a frame, yielding a good success rate. Alternatively, mature wood cuttings (15-20 cm) can be taken in November, also producing a high percentage of successful propagation.

• Layering: Layering the plant in autumn is another reliable method of propagation for Lonicera caerulea.

🌞 Growing Conditions:

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil, but can adapt to a variety of soil types.

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.

• Temperature: Extremely cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C once established.

🍇 Uses & Benefits:

• Edible Fruit: The blue berries of Lonicera caerulea are not only beautiful but also delicious. They have a sweet, mild flavor that can be eaten fresh or used in jams, juices, and desserts.

• Landscaping: This shrub makes a great addition to any garden, adding both beauty and function. It can serve as a hedge, border plant, or ornamental shrub.

• Wildlife Friendly: The plant also provides important habitat and food for local wildlife, including birds and pollinators.

🍃 Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 1.5–2 meters (5–6 feet)

• Flowers: Yellowish-white, fragrant, appearing in early spring

• Berries: Blue, about 1 cm in diameter, sweet and edible

• Leaves: Oval, waxy green with a glaucous texture

• Cold Hardy: Can tolerate extreme temperatures as low as -40°C