Haskap 'Boreal Beast'

Haskap 'Boreal Beast' (Lonicera caerulea 'Boreal Beast'). The Lonicera caerulea 'Boreal Beast', also known as 'Boreal Beast' haskap, is a highly productive deciduous fruit shrub renowned for its abundant berries and great hardiness. This vigorous variety forms a dense, rounded bush that integrates perfectly into fruit gardens and northern vegetable patches. In spring, small creamy-white flowers appear very early in the season and are quickly followed by large, elongated dark blue berries covered with a light bloom. The fruits are plump, sweet, and slightly tart, with a rich flavor reminiscent of blueberries, and are excellent eaten fresh, in jams, or in desserts.

To plant 'Boreal Beast' haskap, choose a suitable exposure: sun to partial shade. The recommended soil is well-drained and slightly fertile. Water the root ball before planting and ensure that water can drain after planting. During establishment, check soil moisture by hand before watering again. Spread mulch around the base, leaving the collar clear. Avoid systematic fertilizer applications without considering soil richness. In Quebec, choose a period when the soil is thawed and easy to work.

Allow a width of 1.5 m (5 feet) to organize the space for this plant in the garden. The indicated height of 1.5 to 2 m (5 to 7 feet) helps choose its position relative to neighboring plants. Maintain access to the base for weeding, checking moisture, and removing damaged parts. Associate this variety with plants whose light and water needs are compatible. If you are considering a container, first check that its volume and drainage are suitable for root development. Roots in pots are more exposed to cold than those planted in the ground.