Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea 'Kiev #8' BLUE VELVET)
Grow delicious Lonicera caerulea 'Kiev #8' BLUE VELVET Honeyberry shrubs. This low-maintenance, deciduous shrub offers edible fruit in Zones 3-7.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Honeyberry, specifically the Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET cultivar, is a highly valuable addition for edible landscaping. Unlike many traditional honeysuckles, this deciduous shrub produces tart, sweet, blueberry-like fruits that ripen early in the season, making the Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET a gardener’s delight. It is known for its exceptional winter hardiness and relatively low maintenance requirements once established.
This circumpolar native thrives across a wide range of cool climates, generally flourishing in USDA Zones 3 through 7. The plant features attractive gray-green foliage, followed by small white flowers that precede the cylindrical, dark blue berries. Its durability and unique fruit profile ensure it stands out, especially when compared to traditional berry crops.
Cultivating Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET provides functional beauty in the landscape alongside an early harvest. Remember that these shrubs are unisexual and require cross-pollination to set fruit, making site planning essential for maximizing your yield of this delicious Honeyberry.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: March
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting should occur in organically-rich, moist yet well-drained soils. While a Honeyberry shrub will tolerate full sun in cooler northern regions, provide afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent stress on the Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET. Incorporate shredded bark mulch to help soil retain crucial moisture, which is vital during the initial years of development.
Watering should be consistent, especially while the root system is establishing. Once established, the shrubs exhibit some drought tolerance, but consistent moisture supports the best fruit production. Remember that this cultivar is not self-fertile; ensure you plant a compatible variety, such as ‘Blue Forest’ (as grown at the Missouri Botanical Garden), nearby for efficient pollination.
Pruning for the Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET should be done immediately following the fruit harvest. Avoid heavy pruning at other times, as this removes next year’s wood. These shrubs are generally trouble-free regarding severe pests or diseases, though monitoring for powdery mildew is advisable.
Landscape Uses
Honeyberry offers versatility in landscape design, acting beautifully as an informal hedge or planted within a dedicated fruit garden. The compact size of Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET, reaching only about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, makes it suitable for front-of-border plantings where you need structure, but do not want to overpower smaller perennials.
The edible fruit quality means integration into edible landscapes is highly recommended. Harvest directly from the bush for snacking, or plan for processing these early berries into jams, jellies, pies, or juices. Because the berries ripen so early in summer, they fill a seasonal gap before blueberries and raspberries are ready.
For privacy screening or formal hedging, space multiple plants appropriately. As an added benefit, deer tend to leave this plant alone, making it a reliable choice in areas where browsing pressure is a concern for other crops.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lonicera caerulea, commonly known as honeyberry, is distinct among honeysuckles for producing tasty, edible, blueberry-like fruit. The specific cultivar ‘Kiev #8’, marketed as BLUE VELVET, typically reaches 3-4 feet tall and produces small, funnel-shaped white flowers, followed by teardrop-shaped, dark blue berries ripening in May or June. The specific epithet caerulea references the fruit’s dark blue coloration, a key visual appeal of this versatile shrub.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
The Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET generally experiences no serious insect or disease issues, contributing to its low maintenance profile. The most likely cosmetic issue to occur is powdery mildew, particularly if air circulation is poor or humidity is high. Deer tend to naturally avoid browsing on this Honeyberry cultivar, offering peace of mind in exposed garden spaces. Management for mildew usually involves ensuring proper spacing between plants to encourage airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Honeyberry suitable for?
Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET is highly cold-tolerant, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 7.
How large does Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET grow?
This cultivar typically matures to a compact height and spread of 3 to 4 feet.
What sun exposure does Honeyberry need?
This Honeyberry performs best when sited in full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in very hot summer climates.
When does Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET bloom?
Blooming generally occurs in March, producing small white flowers before the edible fruit develops.
Conclusion
The Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET Honeyberry remains an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance fruit production and reliable performance across cold winters. Its early-ripening, edible berries make this cultivar of Honeyberry a standout. Before planting, confirm your site meets the Zone 3-7 requirement and plan for a pollinator partner to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Companion Planting
When planning the site for your Lonicera caerulea ‘Kiev #8’ BLUE VELVET, consider companion plants that share similar needs for moisture and sun exposure. Pairing it with fruit-producing shrubs that ripen later, such as highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) or serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.), helps extend the harvest season continually. Since these plants prefer rich, acidic soil conditions, adding compost and managing pH consistently benefits all partners in the planting scheme.
Avoid allowing the base of the Honeyberry to become overly crowded, as this can reduce air circulation, potentially encouraging powdery mildew. Low-growing, moisture-loving groundcovers that do not aggressively compete for surface roots can be acceptable under the canopy, provided they do not choke out the base of the shrub itself.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation for your Honeyberry involves ensuring moisture availability just as buds begin to swell, as flowering begins early in March. Post-flowering, if you notice any signs of powdery mildew, treat immediately with appropriate fungicides or cultural adjustments like increased air flow. Summer care centers entirely around the harvest period in May/June; prune immediately after the fruit is removed to shape the plant and prepare the wood for next year’s crop. Winter hardiness is excellent, meaning special protection is typically unnecessary unless you are at the very edge of Zone 3.
