Lonicera kamtschatica 'Indigo Gem' - Afin siberian

Lonicera kamtschatica 'Indigo Gem', also known as Kamchatka Siberian blueberry 'Indigo Gem' or haskap 'Indigo Gem', is a perennial shrub from the Caprifoliaceae family, valued for its edible, sweet-tart fruits and decorative appearance. Native to Canada, this variety is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, or small orchards due to its high productivity and cold resistance. It is a compact plant with a semi-erect habit, producing blue, teardrop-shaped fruits perfect for fresh consumption or processing.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are ovate, 4-6 cm long, dark green with entire margins. The foliage is dense, providing a compact and attractive look throughout the season.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, white, clustered in racemes, appearing in spring (May-June). They are discreet but attract pollinators such as bees.
• Fruits: The fruits are blue, teardrop-shaped, medium-sized, with a firm texture. They ripen in May-June, being sweet and easy to harvest. The fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, ideal for fresh consumption, jams, juices, or desserts.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Reaches 1.2-1.5 meters in height and 1-1.2 meters in width, forming a compact, semi-erect shrub with arching branches.
• Vigor: Rapid, vigorous growth with sturdy stems and high productivity, up to 2-3 kg of fruit per plant.
• Type: Deciduous perennial shrub, with leaves falling in winter.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun for optimal fruiting but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Grows in fertile, well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Tolerates poor soils.
• Watering: Water regularly in the first year, keeping the soil moist. Once established, it is tolerant to moderate drought.
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 3-8 (down to -35°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Extremely resistant to cold, drought, and pollution. May be affected by aphids or mites; treat with organic methods. Tolerates drought and wind but may attract birds that consume the fruits.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and a potassium-rich fertilizer in summer for fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
• Pruning: Cut stems that fruited in autumn down to the ground and remove weak branches in spring. Keep 5-7 healthy stems per bush.
• Propagation: Propagated by root cuttings or dividing bushes in spring.
• Warning: Spiny stems can cause scratches. Fruits are edible and safe.

Usage

Lonicera kamtschatica 'Indigo Gem' is ideal for fruit gardens, borders, or small orchards. Its blue, sweet fruits are excellent for fresh consumption, jams, juices, or desserts. It pairs well with other berries or low ornamental plants. Attracts pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Origin

Lonicera kamtschatica is native to Russia (Kamchatka) and East Asia. The 'Indigo Gem' cultivar was developed in Canada for its large fruits and cold resistance.

A mature specimen can produce 3-6 kg of fruit, which can be consumed fresh or as jams, preserves, etc.

No phytosanitary treatments required - Lonicera kamtschatica is considered "pest free". No special substrate required. Although it is a self-fertile variety, for higher productivity it is recommended to have several Lonicera varieties in the garden.

It withstands even extreme temperatures in the garden.

In the cold season, it is sold without leaves.

Height including pot: approx. 30 cm

Pot diameter: 9 cm

Note: In the cold season garden plants are sold pruned and without leaves.