Honeyberry Blue Velvet

Blue Velvet Honeyberry

Honeyberry ‘Blue Velvet’ (Lonicera caerulea 'Blue Velvet') is a compact deciduous fruiting shrub prized for its elongated deep blue berries that ripen very early in the season and its usefulness as a pollinator partner for other honeyberry selections. Small creamy-yellow spring flowers emerge very early, followed by soft, sweet-tart fruit with a mild blueberry-like flavor. Its tidy growth habit and strong cold hardiness make it well suited for edible landscapes and northern gardens.

Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 3–4 ft
Height: 4–5 ft

USDA Zones: 3a–7b

Form: Upright, rounded shrub

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Well-drained soil with organic matter; adaptable but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil

Water: Moderate; prefers even moisture during fruit development

Wildlife: Flowers attract bees; berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for edible gardens, berry borders, and home orchards. Frequently planted with Blue Moon or Blue Pacific for cross-pollination and dependable fruit set. Early harvest extends berry season ahead of most other fruits.

Care: Plant with another compatible honeyberry cultivar for best fruiting. Prune lightly after harvest to remove older stems and encourage new growth. Netting may be needed to protect fruit from birds. 🍇🌿

Plant type

Small Fruit

Height

4-5'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Steel Blue

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Fruit

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Drought tolerant

No