Discover the Yezberry® 'Solo'™ honeysuckle, a true revolution in the world of northern climate berries! Stemming from a selection of purely Japanese strains, this exceptional shrub stands out for its unique ability to produce large, fleshy berries completely autonomously. No need to calculate space for two shrubs: it offers generous and very sweet harvests even when planted alone. It's the ideal addition to optimize small spaces or easily start your food garden in Quebec.

Harvest: production and flavors

The Yezberry® 'Solo'™ honeysuckle is distinguished by its mid to late-season harvest. Its voluminous fruits develop on the previous year's wood and are easily picked from a well-structured shrub.

• Harvest period: Mid to late July
• Visual description: Very large berries, with a particularly plump oval to round shape, sporting a purplish-blue hue covered with a bluish bloom. Its tender skin protects juicy flesh that holds up excellently during picking.
• Flavor profile: Sweet, rich, and intensely fruity. It offers a high sugar content and low acidity, developing aromas reminiscent of a divine cross between wild blueberry and plum.
• Culinary uses: Delicious to eat fresh directly from the shrub, it's a hit in desserts, enhances pancakes and waffles, turns into refined jams, or freezes easily.

Planting guide

To successfully plant your Yezberry® 'Solo'™ honeysuckle and encourage vigorous root establishment, follow these key steps:

1. The ideal location: Choose a location in full sun to maximize fruit production and concentrate sugars, although it tolerates light shade. This shrub with a compact and naturally rounded habit integrates perfectly into flowerbeds or small vegetable gardens without requiring support.
2. Soil preparation: This honeysuckle thrives in rich, loose, well-drained, and fresh soil. Very tolerant, it adapts to a wide range of pH (neutral to slightly acidic), which greatly simplifies its planting compared to blueberries. Generously amend the soil with compost.
3. Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. Position the plant so that the crown is level with the soil or slightly buried (about 2 cm) to encourage the production of new vigorous shoots from the base. Fill the hole, tamp firmly, and water abundantly.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Self-fertile. The Yezberry® 'Solo'™ honeysuckle has the immense advantage of fruiting without the need for a partner.
   • Suggested partners: No partner is required. However, planting it near another variety from the Yezberry® series (such as 'Sugar Pie'®) significantly increases the overall size and volume of your harvest.

Care guide

• Watering: Regularly hydrate the soil during the first two years to ensure optimal root establishment. Sustained watering during summer heat and the berry formation phase guarantees larger and juicier fruits.
• Fertilization: Spread a good layer of mature compost around the base of the shrub each spring. An application of natural fertilizer for small fruits at the beginning of the season effectively supports its spring vigor.
• Pruning: This shrub requires minimal maintenance. Avoid any pruning during the first 3 years. Thereafter, practice light thinning pruning in late winter by removing dead, broken wood or the weakest inner branches to maximize sun exposure.
• Protection:
  • Against birds: Birds quickly covet these large blue berries. Install a protective net as soon as the color starts to turn blue to secure your precious fruits.
  • Winter protection: Endowed with exemplary hardiness (Zone 3), it withstands the rigors of Quebec winters without flinching and requires no additional winter protection.