Honeyberry Amphora - Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica

The Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica 'Amphora' is a honeysuckle with edible fruits, appreciated for its amphora-shaped berries, which are very sweet and slightly tart, known for their nutritional qualities. Very hardy (up to -40°C), it can withstand extreme temperatures. With its bushy habit, it fits well in a garden or in a pot on a terrace. Its fragrant flowering in March announces an abundant harvest of fruits in June, favoured by the presence of other pollinating plants nearby. Easy to grow and resistant to diseases, it is ideal for a small fruit hedge, where it pairs well with other varieties of small fruits.

The Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica, commonly known as Blue Honeysuckle, Honeyberry, Mayberry, Siberian Blueberry, Edible Honeysuckle, Maibeere or Haskap, is a shrub species of the Caprifoliaceae family, like all honeysuckles. It is native to Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Siberian Asia, from Kamchatka to Magadan to Sakhalin Island. The edible honeysuckle has been known and consumed by indigenous populations for a long time. It thrives in cold regions, as it can withstand -40°C, but only -7°C for its flowers. It is an interesting shrub for high-altitude gardens.

The 'Amphora' variety is a modern and robust variety cultivated since 1998. It forms a bushy shrub, with a dense and rounded crown, reaching a height of 1.50 m and spreading up to 1.20 m. The foliage is deciduous, composed of opposite, ovate, dark green leaves, slightly greyish-blue, measuring 3 to 8 cm long. Flowering occurs from March, with tubular flowers blooming in pairs, yellowish-green, rather inconspicuous, intensely visited by bees. Fruit production mainly occurs on one- and two-year-old branches. The shrub is then covered with elongated berries, shaped like jugs, with an open apex, pruinose, blue in colour, measuring 1.5 to 2 cm long, 0.7 to 0.8 cm in diameter, weighing about 1.5 grams, with a honey scent. They contain very small seeds that are not noticeable when eaten. Reaching maturity around mid-June, the drupe is filled with a greenish-yellow, juicy, sweet and tart pulp, similar to that of blueberries both in flavour and appearance. The harvest is staggered as the fruits ripen, when their flesh turns red. A Blue Honeysuckle yields approximately 2.5 to 4 kg of fruits per plant, depending on the age and growing conditions of the plant. To improve fruiting, it is advisable to plant at least two plants. The varieties 'Morena', 'Nimfa', and 'Silginka' can be good pollinating partners. The flowers attract bees for effective pollination. The fruits are rich in vitamins B and C, fibre, minerals, and antioxidants.

In terms of culinary use: Once harvested, the Mayberries can be stored for only 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable compartment. The fruits of the Amphora Blue Honeysuckle can be enjoyed fresh, and for added indulgence, they can be sprinkled with a little granulated sugar. They are excellent for making jellies or jams, and can also be used in fruit salads, muffins or smoothies, and pies... And even very fruity, slightly acidic juices. When dried, the berries retain all their nutritional value. They can be easily frozen to extend the enjoyment.

Transform your garden into a true gourmet paradise with this Honeyberry Honeysuckle, perfect for creating a delicious or rustic hedge. Choose a sunny location, but sheltered from excessive heat, in a cool, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. Pair it with raspberries, red currants, blackberries, blueberries, or goji berries (Lycium barbarum) for tasty harvests. You can even grow it in a pot on a terrace for a close-to-nature experience. For an explosion of colours, combine it with ornamental shrubs such as fragrant Osmanthus, Lilacs, Mock Oranges, Abelia, or Kolkwitzia, taking care to preserve the honeysuckle's space. Enjoy the intoxicating scent of the Honeyberry Honeysuckle in spring!