Some testing into the Edible Honeysuckle is being done at the University of
Saskatchewan. "Blue Bell" was probably the best tasting of the 4 "OLD"
cultivars that was tested. However, in Siberia, where they originated, I
have heard that they use these cultivars only for ornamental reasons. There
have been many new cultivars released since "Blue Bell" with immensely
higher quality fruit. The U of S imported some plants and they are testing
them now.
Here are a few interesting characteristics:
- OPEN fruit blossoms are reported to be hardy to -7C!
- The fruit ripen before strawberries. Up here, this equates to a
bloom time of 1st week in May, and ripen time in mid-june.
- Hardiness to -40C.
- Dwarf growing, to 6' high and 6' wide.
- Not self-fertile. Need to plants of different cultivars to pollinate.
- Long, cylindrical shaped fruit, Over 1" long, .25" in diameter.
- Some say, "Blueberry-like taste", but I disagree.