Honeyberry in Zone 9a (Houston, TX area)?

diamondjfarms Needville, TX(Zone 9a) May 27, 2011

Is anyone growing Honeyberry in Zone 9a. I can't seem to find the chill hour requirements.
Also, Are they a shrub/bush like blueberry, or are they a vine like Honeysuckle?
Along that line, Will they grow in Alkaline soil like Honeysuckle, or do they need more acidic soil like blueberry?

I saw some here, but I'm not sure I trust Michigan bulb for zone 9
http://michiganbulb.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_79974_A_Honey+Sweet+Honeyberries_E_

[Posting in Fruit and Nuts too]

Post #8591873

Quote

goofballTex Plano, TX(Zone 8a) May 27, 2011

According to the USDA website, it grows down to the northern two-thirds of California, but doesn't occur
naturally anywhere east of Montana and Wyoming. It also doesn't seem to grow too close to the coast
(about one or two counties inland). Of course, it's possible that you may be able to cultivate it outside its
natural range. California is zone 9 where it grows, and humid to boot. I think that Houston's climate
should be similar enough to be worth a try.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=LOCA6
Wikipedia says they can grow in high calcium soils (ie, lots of limestone), but I don't know how reliable
that particular article is. It is in the same genus as the other honeysuckles, so it's not unthinkable that
it can grow in the same kinds of soil.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's website says it is a shrub.
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LOCA6
Here's another forum about this plant. Most people who have planted it seem to be from the north,
although one user from Florida has planted it, too.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/edible/msg0816221128604.html
Brandon

This message was edited May 27, 2011 10:28 PM