Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Royal Purple Smokebush - TreeTime.ca

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Royal Purple Smokebush

Lonicera caerulea Borealis

Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry)
Royal Purple Smokebush

Borealis Haskap is a popular variety due to its great-tasting, sweet-tart berries. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Borealis Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

It has strong fruit holds and is not very firm so it does not do well when handled by equipment. This variety is a favourite for home gardens and U-Picks.

For optimal fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Haskaps need to be planted with a compatible variety. Compatibility is influenced by both bloom time and genetics.

Borealis Haskap is an early-pollinating variety and pairs well with Aurora and Honey Bee.

Royal Purple Smokebush is an attractive and dramatic shrub. Mid-summer you'll notice feathery, purple-pink puffs of airy seed clusters that give the illusion of smoke. The contrast of these seed clusters against deep purple-red foliage will make Royal Purple Smokebush your new favorite shrub.

It is tolerant of clay soil, drought, and deer, making Royal Purple Smokebush a hardy addition to any yard. Try it in a hedge, shrub border, or as an accent shrub; regardless of how you use it, this shrub will be a head turner.

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Royal Purple Smokebush Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low


Fall colour: Purple and scarlet red
Berries: berries are large; berries are similar to blueberries but larger and have a taste between raspberry and blueberry; ready for harvest at the end of June
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: borealis honeyberry, haskap, honeyberry