Yezberry Solo (Lonicera caerulea ‘Solo’) is a popular, low-maintenance, fruit-bearing shrub. It offers delicious berries and attractive foliage, making it a valuable addition to many landscapes. Its adaptability and ease of care appeal to home gardeners seeking to cultivate their own fruit.
Understanding Yezberry Solo
Yezberry Solo is a variety of Haskap, also known as Honeyberry. It is self-pollinating, meaning it can produce fruit without needing another variety for cross-pollination. However, planting it near another Yezberry variety can significantly increase fruit size and yield.
This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height and spread of 5 to 6 feet, forming a mounded shape. It is remarkably cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7, and tolerating temperatures as low as -40°F. Yezberry Solo features green foliage and produces small yellow flowers in early spring, providing early sustenance for pollinators.
Planting Your Yezberry Solo
When planting Yezberry Solo, select a site that receives full sun, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial sun with a minimum of four hours. In warmer climates, providing afternoon shade can help protect fruit from sunscald. Good air circulation is also beneficial for plant health.
Yezberry Solo adapts to a wide range of soil types and pH levels. While it tolerates various conditions, well-drained soil is preferred to prevent waterlogging. Incorporating organic matter can enhance soil structure and fertility. Space individual shrubs 60 to 72 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
Ongoing Care for Yezberry Solo
Consistent moisture is important for Yezberry Solo, especially during its establishment phase and throughout the fruit development period. While mature plants tolerate some drought, regular watering during dry spells ensures optimal fruit quality and yield. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark mulch around the plant’s base helps conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Yezberry Solo does not require extensive fertilization, but a light application can support vigorous growth and fruit production. A granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants or compost can be applied in early spring as the ground thaws. Pruning is generally not necessary until the plant has been in the ground for at least three years. Any necessary pruning, such as removing dead wood or thinning congested areas, should be done immediately after harvesting. This timing is important because Yezberries flower and fruit on old wood, and pruning at other times could reduce the next season’s yield.
Harvesting and Enjoying Yezberries
Yezberry Solo produces large, plump berries that ripen in early summer, often around the same time as strawberries. The berries change from green to a deep blue color, sometimes with a waxy bloom, as they mature. Taste a berry to confirm sweetness before harvesting, as fruit may turn blue weeks before peak flavor. Ripe berries detach easily from the stem.
These berries offer a sweet-tart flavor, often described as a blend of raspberry, blueberry, and a hint of blackberry. Yezberries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. They are versatile; popular for fresh eating, jams, jellies, sauces, pies, or other desserts. The berries can also be frozen for later use. While typically soft for shipping, their suitability for processing makes them a valuable home garden fruit.