The wild species is highly variable, and many plants produce bitter fruits. If you want good fruit, cultivars have been bred with better ...Read Moreflavor. Most state USDA extension services will have advice about locally suitable cultivars.
The flavor of the well-ripened fruit has been compared with raspberries and blueberries.
This species is not self-fertile and needs at least two different compatible cultivars in order to set fruit.
Grows and fruits well in Z1--Z4. In Z5-6, you may be best off with Japanese cultivars, as Russian material will break dormancy during winter thaws. The southern limits of this species have not been well explored, but for good fruiting, cool summers are necessary.
Fruit turns blue before it's fully ripe--the interior of fully ripened fruit is deep purple-red. Unripe fruit is bitter.
Also called honeyberry or sweetberry or blue honeysuckle.
The wild species is highly variable, and many plants produce bitter fruits. If you want good fruit, cultivars have been bred with better ...Read More