Kawai Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Illini Hardy Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Kawai Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Illini Hardy Blackberry

Lonicera caerulea Kawai

Rubus fruticosus Illini Hardy

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NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Kawai Haskap (Honeyberry)
Illini Hardy Blackberry

The Kawai Haskap is a compact fruit-bearing shrub that blooms with small white flowers in early spring and then fruits with medium-sized, oval shaped berries in late June and July. Their taste is usually described as something between a raspberry and a blueberry. The berries are blue and sweet and are great for fresh eating or preserves.

The Kawai Haskap, or Kawai Honeyberry is cold-hardy and is suitable for urban gardens.

Kawai is a late pollinating variety. Pair with other late pollinators to have a higher yield.
Giants Heart Haskap is a great companion variety for the Kawaii.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry was developed in Illinois for northern growers, and produces a large, juicy blackberry with medium-sweet flavor. The berries are ready for harvest in midsummer, and go great in preserves.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry, or the Illinois Blackberry, are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Kawai Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

Illini Hardy Blackberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: oval
Berries: black
Fruit size: medium
Firmness: medium
Flavor: sweet
Flavor: medium
Harvest: late june/july
Harvest: July
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high




Other Names: kawai honeyberry
Other Names: illinois blackberry