The honey berry bears the botanical name Lonicera kamtschatica and is also known in this country as the may berry. The fruit-bearing plant is relatively easy to care for and adapts very well to the local conditions.
Location
As the botanical name suggests, the honeyberry comes from the Siberian peninsula of Kamchatka and inhabits light coniferous forests and rugged mountainous landscapes in its original homeland. Since the resilient plant is used to extreme site conditions, there are no problems with the choice of the location in the local latitudes. Since the strength of the sunlight has a significant impact on the development of the plant, the location should not be too dark. Since the berry bush can reach a height of up to 150 cm, Lonicera kamtschatica is very suitable for creating a hedge.
- Tolerates both sun and shade
- A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal
- The more sun, the better the harvest
- However, leaves can burn in the blazing midday sun
- Can also be cultivated in a tub
- Both on the terrace and on the balcony
- A variable location is possible when kept in a bucket
floor
The may berries are also not particularly demanding when it comes to the soil. However, the plant must not be exposed to permanent moisture. In this case, there is often severe damage in the root area, which can even lead to the death of the plant. Therefore, locations in the immediate vicinity of ponds and rivers are out of the question.
- Prefers slightly moist and fresh soils
- A well-drained substrate with sandy parts is ideal
- Can also cope with gravelly garden floors
- Even tolerates loamy and peaty soils
- The optimal pH value is between slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
plants
Ideally, the may berries should be planted at the beginning of the growing season. So the wood has before the next winter
enough time to get used to the new location and to build up the winter hardiness. In order to increase the fruit yield, it is advisable to enrich the soil with some humus or compost a few days before planting. In addition, the Lonicera kamtschatica appreciates suitable plant neighbors, as this way all fruit phases run off better.- The best time to plant is in spring
- Dig the planting hole twice as large as the root ball
- Create drainage from pumice or pebbles
- Place the plant in a container with water for 30 minutes
- Roots should be able to soak up properly
- Then place it directly in the planting hole
- Fill up with plenty of soil and water well
Tip: Alternatively, the honey berries can also be planted in autumn, but the ground must not be frozen. This procedure is especially possible in regions with mild weather conditions in winter.
to water
The honeyberry can neither cope with too much moisture nor with prolonged dryness. That is why the right approach to watering is important so that the harvest turns out well. These two problems can arise quickly, especially when keeping the bucket. Whether the right time for watering has come can be checked by finger testing the degree of dryness of the earth's surface.
- Water regularly, but not excessively
- The root ball must never dry out completely
- Water less in heavy rains
- Water more during high heat and prolonged drought
Note: Basically, potted plants rely on more watering units than honeyberries planted in the garden bed.
Fertilize
The berry bush is very frugal and has a low need for nutrients. Who, however, the fruit yield significantly
want to increase, should give more nutrients in the period before harvest.- Fertilize right at the beginning of spring
- Use berry fertilizer every 2 weeks until harvest
- Then do not use any more fertilizer
- The plant should prepare for the cold season
- Incorporate a little compost into the soil throughout the year
Cut
Cutting the honey berry is not absolutely necessary. However, an annual maintenance cut promotes the vitality and flowering time of the berry bush. As a reward, the fruit yield at harvest is richer and the lifespan is significantly extended. It should be noted that in the Lonicera kamtschatica the flowers and fruits are always formed on the annual wood. For this reason, the pruning must not be done too late in the year, otherwise the buds that have already been created will be lost. If the plant forms an extremely large number of branches, only the strongest branches should remain on the bush. In this way, the may berries can manage the nutrients better and invest more energy in the formation of fruits.
- Make maintenance cuts immediately after harvest
- The best time is a dry day in June
- It is essential to use disinfected and sharp secateurs
- First cut off every two-year shoots close to the ground
- Leave 8 to 10 shoots after cutting
- Then spread about 3 cm of soil loosely in the root area
Note: Older shoots can be recognized by the brown bark with bark. In contrast, young shoots have a green bark, which turns red-brown in color over the course of the summer months.
Multiply
The May berry can be propagated both by sinkers and by cuttings. In this context, it should be borne in mind that the sinkers are hardy, while the young and still sensitive cuttings are dependent on winter protection. So that the new roots develop more quickly, slightly scratch the branches at the lower end with a clean razor blade.
- Choose flexible and healthy shoots from the mother plant
- Either pull it into the ground or cut it off completely
- Defoliate the sinker and place it in a channel in the ground
- Branch tip must protrude from the ground
- Fasten with a bamboo or wooden stick
- Cut 20 to 30 cm long annual cuttings in summer
- Defoliate half of the leaves and place in a nursery pot with a peat-sand substrate
- Water regularly and fertilize with compost
Overwinter
Based on its origin in Siberia, the honeyberry is extremely frost-hardy, even extreme cold does not cause the berry bush any problems. The plant is even naturally equipped with effective frost protection, which is shown by the very fine hair growth on the shoots. This is why Lonicera kamtschatica can even overwinter in the garden bed in high mountain locations without the need for additional winter protection.
However, potted plants are dependent on warming protective measures, otherwise the root ball can freeze in certain weather conditions.- Tolerates frost values down to -45 ° Celsius
- Can even handle icy winds
- Container plants and cuttings are dependent on winter quarters
- A cool, frost-free, dry and bright place is ideal
- For example winter gardens, unheated hallways and guest rooms
- Place on an insulating surface made of wood or cork
- Wrap the planter with bubble wrap or fleece
- Extremely reduce the watering amount, only water lightly when it is dry
Harvest time
Due to its origin from cold regions, Lonicera kamtschatica only has a very short growing season. That is why the first fruits are ripe very early, even before the currants and gooseberries. However, the yields at harvest are quite manageable due to the small size of the berries, and they are not easy to pick.
- Honey-sweet berries are ripe by May at the latest
- Harvest can ideally last until July
- Eat fresh or use immediately
- Fruits do not keep very long
Note: In the case of the Mayberry, larger yields are often only achieved after several years of standing and with appropriate care.
Plant neighbors
The Mayberry is not suitable as a solitary plant, rather the plant is happy to have adequate neighbors. In this way, fertilization improves and the fruit yield can be increased sustainably. The wood grows upright, but comparatively slowly. Therefore, it does not overshadow neighboring plants.
- Ideal partners are lilies of the valley as an attractive contrast
- Grow well in combination with hedge plants
- Also get along with other berry bushes
- For example blueberries, josta and gooseberries
- This is how you can create beds full of mixed berries
- Plant at a distance of about one meter
Diseases
In general, Lonicera kamtschatica is very resistant to diseases. However, powdery mildew can occur due to mistakes in care.
- Fight powdery mildew only after harvest
- Use environmentally friendly and non-toxic agents
- Network sulfur has proven itself for combating
Pests
The delicious berries attract frostworms and birds, which can severely decimate the harvest. For this reason, protective measures are necessary for the Lonicera kamtschatica during the growing season in order to secure the fruit yield.
- Cover berry bushes with protective netting
- Alternatively, protect the honeyberry with fleece
- Use before the fruit is ripe