(Located W4, F 17 planted 2011 and 2025) (Lonicera caerulea) We have two collections of Lonicera caerulea. This is our Japanese collection that are called Haskaps. (See station #7 (link) for our Russian plants known as Blue Honeysuckle or Honeyberry.)
These varieties are from Oregon State University retired horticulturist Dr. Maxine Thompson who brought seeds back from
the island of Hokaido in Northern Japan. Dr. Thompson uses the common name “Haskaps” for these plants because that is the name used in Japan.
Thompson understood that what we needed in our climate was not the most winter hardy continental varieties but later blooming maritime varieties. While the plants we have in the Fruit Garden are some of the best of Dr. Thompson’s original seedlings, she has since developed second and third generation plants which are more productive, have larger fruit and may be more reliable producers in our area.
These haskaps have a variety of shapes as seen in the photos.
It is hoped that haskaps will become a commercial crop since they ripen up to six weeks before blueberries and have a great potential niche in the early ripening berry market.
Pirika
Berries are large and elliptical, some with rolled edges at the tips, giving them a jug-shape. Another early-bloomer, these have good flavor and yield. Bushes are very vigorous, upright-spreading, and somewhat open.
Willa
Large, round, nicely-flavored berries on vigorous, upright plants. Our earliest bloomer. Pirika and Taka are good companion plants for pollination.
Taka
Cylindrical, medium-large berries have a slightly milder flavor than other cultivars, on moderately vigorous plants that have a more spreading shape. This Mid-season bloomer, can pair with early or late varieties. A 7-year-old bush is typically 5 feet tall x 5 feet wide.
Chito
Large, oval berries, milder flavor than other varieties, on very vigorous bushes that are somewhat more open than other cultivars. This mid-season bloomer can pair with early or late varieties.
Keiko
Oval-shaped berries are tart/sweet and medium sized. It is a very vigorous grower, upright and spreading. At 10 years the plants can reach 7 feet in height with a spread of 5 1⁄2 feet.
Tana
Oval, medium-large berries are tart/sweet, on moderately vigorous plants with an upright-spreading shape. A late-blooming variety. Will pollinate with Keiko. Kawai or Chito.
Kawai
A vigorous upright late blooming bush with medium to large sweet flavored fruit ripening in early to mid June.
