Lonicera caerulea 'Blue Forest'
Blue Forest Honeyberry
Honeyberry ‘Blue Forest’ (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis ‘Blue Forest’, also known as ‘Magadan’) is a compact deciduous fruiting shrub grown for its elongated dark blue berries that ripen in early summer. The plant forms a dense, spreading mound of deep green foliage with small creamy-white spring flowers followed by sweet-tart, antioxidant-rich berries often compared to a blend of blueberry and raspberry. Extremely cold hardy and easy to grow, it is a productive edible landscape plant that performs well in northern climates.
Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
Mature Size:
Width: 2–3 ft
Height: 2–3 ft
USDA Zones: 2a–7b
Form: Compact, spreading shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil with organic matter; prefers slightly acidic conditions
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and pollinating insects; berries attract birds
Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for edible landscapes, berry gardens, small hedges, containers, and home orchards. Produces large, dark blue berries with a sweet-tart flavor ideal for fresh eating, jams, baking, and juices. Extremely hardy and reliable in cold climates.
Care: Plant with another honeyberry variety that blooms at the same time for cross-pollination and fruit production. Mulch to keep roots cool and moist. Prune lightly after fruiting to remove older stems and maintain shape. Plants typically begin producing within 1–2 years after planting.
- Plant type
- Small Fruit
- Height
- 2-3'
- Width
- 2-3'
- Hardiness zones
- 2–7
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Flower color
- White
- Leaf color
- SeaGreen
- Fall color
- Blue Green
- Fruit color
- Steel Blue
- Attracts
- Bees, Birds
- Soil
- Acidic, Humus rich, Well Drained
- Landscape use
- Container, Fruit, Hedge
- Shape
- Compact, Spreading
- Fruit
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No