Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea 'Magadan' BLUE FOREST)

Overview

The Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST, commonly known as Honeyberry, offers gardeners a unique combination of hardiness and utility. This deciduous shrub is highly distinct from its non-edible honeysuckle relatives, yielding tasty, blueberry-like fruits that ripen early in the season. It provides excellent ornamental value alongside significant culinary rewards.

This variety is praised for its compact size, typically maturing between two and three feet tall and wide, making it suitable for smaller gardens or formal hedges. As a circumpolar native, the Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST thrives in colder climates, establishing reliability where other fruiting shrubs might struggle. It exhibits low maintenance once established, rewarding consistent care with low-effort harvests.

Gardeners value this plant not only for its edible fruit but also for its early spring blooms and deer resistance. The commitment is slightly higher initially due to pollination requirements—needing a compatible partner—but the resulting season-starting harvest of deep blue berries makes the Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST a worthwhile addition to any functional landscape.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: March
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST in organically-rich, moist, but well-drained soils. While the shrub will tolerate full sun in cooler northern regions, ensure it receives some afternoon shade if establishing it in the hotter southern reaches of its range (Zone 7). Consistent moisture is crucial during the early years of development to encourage robust root systems.

Applying shredded bark mulch is highly beneficial, as it aids soil moisture retention. While the shrubs exhibit some drought tolerance once mature, consistent irrigation, especially during fruit development, will maximize yield. Remember that Honeyberry shrubs are unisexual; you must plant at least two different, compatible varieties, such as BLUE FOREST and BLUE VELVET mentioned by the Missouri Botanical Garden, together to ensure successful pollination and fruit set.

Pruning is minimal and should be timed immediately after the fruit harvest is complete. This prevents the removal of next season’s flower buds, which form on old wood. This species does not sucker, keeping its form neat in the landscape. South of Zone 7, plants may struggle due to insufficient winter chilling hours necessary for optimal fruit production.

Landscape Uses

The compact habit of the Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST makes it excellent for formal or informal hedging where uniform height is desired. Due to its dual purpose—attractive foliage and early fruit production—it fits perfectly into edible landscapes or mixed shrub borders. Consider planting rows for efficient harvesting of the cylindrical, teardrop-shaped berries.

Its early bloom period provides visual interest before many other spring shrubs awaken. Since the berries may be eaten directly off the bush or harvested for baking, juice, or preserves, plan its location near the kitchen door for easy access. Companion planting is straightforward; group it with other hardy, low-maintenance shrubs that appreciate similar soil conditions.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lonicera caerulea, commonly known by names including honeyberry and haskap, is a circumpolar deciduous shrub native to moist boreal forest areas. Unlike many honeysuckles, this shrub produces an edible, tasty, blueberry-like fruit. The ‘Magadan’ cultivar, often marketed as BLUE FOREST, typically matures to 2-3’ tall and produces dark blue berries up to 1 1/2” long that ripen late April through June.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

This Honeyberry variety generally shows excellent resistance, with no known serious insect or disease problems reported. The primary concern is aesthetic: powdery mildew may occasionally appear, especially in areas with poor air circulation or high humidity. Deer tend to avoid browsing on the Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST, offering a practical security benefit in areas with high deer pressure. Proper spacing while planting helps mitigate mildew risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Honeyberry suitable for?

Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST performs best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.

How large does Honeyberry grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a mature height and spread between 2 and 3 feet.

What sun exposure does Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST need?

It requires full sun to partial shade. Providing afternoon shade is recommended in the hottest parts of its hardiness range.

When does Honeyberry bloom?

The shrub blooms in March, producing small, white flowers prior to fruit development.

Conclusion

The Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST offers gardeners a vigorous, low-maintenance shrub delivering highly anticipated early-summer fruit. If you seek a dependable, cold-hardy edible crop that provides unique aesthetic value, this Honeyberry is an excellent choice. Before planting, confirm your location is within Zones 3-7 and ensure you have a compatible pollinator nearby for successful fruit set.

Companion Planting

Given their shared preference for rich, moist, well-drained soil and cold hardiness, Honeyberry pairs excellently with early-fruiting currants or gooseberries in a dedicated fruit garden. Planting Lonicera caerulea ‘Magadan’ BLUE FOREST alongside blueberry varieties can create a staggered season of blue-toned, tart fruits, though be mindful that blueberries generally require more acidic soil than Honeyberry prefers. For ornamental contrast, consider pairing this shrub with perennials that offer bright summer color, as the Honeyberry’s primary interest shifts to fruit production after its spring bloom.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring preparation involves ensuring consistent moisture following the late-winter bloom period to support early fruit development. Summer care centers on harvesting the ripe berries, typically from late April through June, and promptly pruning the shrub immediately after picking to prepare for the following year’s flush. In autumn, focus on applying a fresh layer of shredded bark mulch, especially near the drip line, to protect shallow roots entering winter. Winter is the dormant period; no active care is required, as the shrub is highly cold-hardy.