Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue honeyberry

The Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica, also known as the blue honeyberry, is a beautiful and hardy shrub that originally comes from Asia but also thrives in Dutch gardens. With its grey-green leaves and graceful growth, this shrub can reach a height of 1.5 metres. The edible blue-black fruits that appear from May onwards are not only healthy and juicy, but also very tasty. The berries can be eaten fresh or processed into many dishes, such as juices, jams and crumbles. The plant is self-pollinating and not very susceptible to disease, so it requires little care. An asset to any garden, both for humans and for the birds that love the sweet berries.

Watering

The Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica, or blue honeyberry, generally has a moderate need for water. It is important to keep the soil moist regularly, especially during dry periods. Make sure that the plant is not constantly in wet soil, as this can cause root rot. Preferably water the plant in the morning, so that the leaves dry in time and mold formation is prevented.

It is advisable to water the Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica regularly in spring and summer, especially when the plant is bearing fruit. Check the soil regularly to see if it is moist enough. It is also important to keep sufficient distance between the plants, so that they have enough space to absorb water and nutrients.

With proper water care, the blue honeysuckle will thrive and produce healthy, juicy fruits.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is just around the corner, the rules are reversed! If the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeyberry is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeyberry does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeyberry with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during warm summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Apart from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeysuckle . Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and look more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Placement, sun/shade

The Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica, or blue honeysuckle, thrives best in a sunny to semi-shaded location. This graceful shrub is very hardy and can withstand Dutch weather conditions well. The plant requires little care and is not very susceptible to disease, making it a valuable addition to any garden. The blue honeysuckle blooms in March-April with white-yellow tubular flowers and then forms the blue-black, juicy fruits in May that are rich in vitamin C. By planting multiple plants together, the production of the berries will improve. This plant is therefore not only a feast for the eyes, but also a healthy and tasty addition to your garden.

Light

The Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeysuckle is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where there is some light. The Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeysuckle requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure that the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeyberry experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.

Temperature requirements

Minimum -4℃ during the day
At night minimum -4 ℃

Repotting

It is important to repot the Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica when the plant is well rooted and growth stagnates. This may be necessary every few years, depending on the growth rate and pot size. Choose a large pot with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Use a good quality potting soil for berry bushes to provide the plant with sufficient nutrients. Repot the plant preferably in early spring, before the growth period starts, so that the roots can establish themselves well in their new environment. After repotting, it is important to water the plant regularly and check for any nutrient deficiencies. In this way, the Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica can continue to thrive and continue to produce its delicious blue fruits every year.

General rules

When the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeyberry has rooted (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always indoors, it does not matter. If it is outside, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the autumn and winter, because it will not grow and root optimally then. This can make it somewhat weak, and possibly suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeysuckle, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot, for better moisture control. It will thank you for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeysuckle roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Disease and pests

The Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica, or blue honey berry, is a very strong and disease-resistant plant. However, it is possible that the plant will suffer from certain diseases or pests. A common problem with blue honey berries, for example, is the aphid. Aphids can damage the leaves by feeding on the sap of the plant. To combat aphids, you can choose to introduce natural enemies such as ladybirds into your garden, or to use an environmentally friendly pesticide.

Another problem that can occur with the blueberry is rot. Rot can be caused by too much moisture around the roots of the plant. To prevent rot, it is important to place the plant in well-draining soil and make sure that the plant is not overwatered. Also make sure that the plant has plenty of air circulation to reduce humidity.

Another common problem with blue honeysuckle is fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can be recognized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To combat powdery mildew, you can make sure that the plant has sufficient air circulation and regularly remove the affected parts of the plant.

Finally, the blue honeysuckle can also suffer from birds that eat the ripe berries before you can harvest them. To deter birds, you can use nets or scarecrows in your garden.

In short, the Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica is a strong and disease-resistant plant, but it is still important to be alert to possible diseases and pests that can affect the plant. By taking preventative measures and tackling problems early, you can ensure that your blue honeysuckle remains healthy and productive.

How and when should you prune the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeyberry?

The leaves of the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' - Blue Honeysuckle will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem close to the trunk. It is not a problem to cut off an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

Propagation

The Lonicera caerulea kamtschatica can be propagated by seed and cuttings. Sow the seeds in the autumn in a well-drained soil and keep the soil moist. The seeds need a cold period to germinate, so it is advisable to store them in the refrigerator for about 4-6 weeks before sowing. For cuttings, you can cut off young shoots in the spring and place them in a mixture of sand and potting soil. Make sure that the cuttings remain sufficiently moist and are placed in a warm and light place. With the right care and attention, you can quickly expand your collection of blue honeysuckle plants.

Conclusion

The Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' is a beautiful addition to any garden or balcony. With its blue-black edible fruits and grey-green leaves, this shrub not only brings colour, but also health to your garden. The self-pollinating properties ensure a good production of berries, which can be eaten fresh or processed into delicious dishes. The hardy and undemanding plant is an asset to any garden and can even be used as a hedge. The graceful flowers and juicy berries attract bees and birds, giving the Lonicera caerulea 'Kamtschatica' a lively and cosy atmosphere. A must-have for nature lovers and health enthusiasts.