Honeyberry bushes advice please

[Storm]

I have been looking at fruit bushes on line at Suttons and Dobbies and like the sound of the Honeyberry bush. It fruits very early (May) before any other fruit comes.

Has anyone tried growing them in GB?

What is the fruit like in taste and texture?

I have read that they can they be eaten fresh but are they sharp like blackcurrants or sweet like strawberries?

Do they grow well here? I’m in the sunny Midlands and the allotment is open and sunny (though windy).


Any suggestions or advice appreciated!

[gojiberry]

They are easy to grow and are the same family as honeysuckle I put some in last year and have a couple of plants established now but not had any fruit yet. I have increased the numbers and put in another 6 in the autumn. They need a male and female for pollination but most companies now sell the two in one pot now. Look in any good gardening book for ideal growing conditions, but a free draining moist soil with plenty of organic material. I think they will also tolerate a bit of shade as well.

Ian

[northepaul]

I have a couple in the front garden, they were very easy to establish, and produced lots of leaf and branch growth in their first year, they became quite bushy but still not very tall. (NB mine are in a north facing garden with acidic clay soil and rubble!!) This is only their second year, so no fruit or blossom so far.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I used to grow honeyberries but they are now in the compost heap The plant with the bigger leaf produces nice sweet fruit but very limited quantity. The plant with the smaller leaf produces really sharp tasting fruit, which neither myself, hubby nor two neighbours could swallow

[Storm]

thanks for all the help and suggestions. it sounds like they will do well at the allotment. i don't mind sharp fruit... they could at least be made into jam maybe???

i think i will risk it and see what happens