Aurora Honeyberry

The Aurora Honeyberry plant is a unique and delicious fruiting shrub that is perfect for any garden. This plant is a member of the honeysuckle family and is native to Siberia, where it has been grown for centuries for its sweet and flavorful berries.

The Aurora Honeyberry plant has a compact growth habit, reaching a height of up to 4 feet and a width of 3 feet. The leaves are a deep green color and are elongated in shape, giving the plant an elegant appearance. In the spring, the Aurora Honeyberry plant produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are a beautiful shade of white and are highly fragrant.

The real treat, however, comes in the form of the plant's delicious fruit. The Aurora Honeyberry plant produces small, blueberry-sized berries that are sweet and tart in flavor. The fruit is high in antioxidants and is perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving.

One of the best things about the Aurora Honeyberry plant is that it is incredibly easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, but can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. This plant is also highly disease-resistant and can produce fruit for many years with minimal maintenance.

Overall, the Aurora Honeyberry plant is a wonderful addition to any garden. Its beautiful foliage, fragrant flowers, and delicious fruit make it a standout plant that is sure to impress.

Latin Name: Lonicera caerulea var. edulis

Site and Soil: Aurora honeyberries prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.

Pollination Requirements: Aurora honeyberries are self-fertile, but will produce higher yields if planted with a different cultivar for cross-pollination.

Hardiness: Aurora honeyberries are hardy to USDA zone 2, withstanding temperatures as low as -50°F. They require a certain amount of winter chill to set fruit, and will not produce well in areas with mild winters.

Bearing Age: Aurora honeyberries can begin bearing fruit 1-2 years after planting, but will reach full production at around 4 years.

Size at Maturity: Aurora honeyberries typically grow to be 4-6 feet tall and wide, but can reach up to 8 feet with age. Pruning can help control their size and shape.

Bloom Time: Aurora honeyberries produce small, white or pinkish flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers are not showy but are important for fruit production.

Ripening Time: Aurora honeyberries ripen in late June to early July, about a month before blueberries.

Yield: Aurora honeyberries can produce 7-10 pounds of fruit per plant at full maturity, with higher yields when planted with a different cultivar for cross-pollination.

Pests & Diseases: Aurora honeyberries are generally pest and disease resistant, but can be susceptible to fungal diseases in wet conditions. Birds may also eat the fruit, so protective netting may be necessary.

USDA Zone: 2-7. Aurora honeyberries can tolerate a wide range of climates, but require a certain amount of winter chill to set fruit. In warmer areas, they may not produce well or at all.