Honeysuckle-Haskap (Lonicera kamtschatica) LORI

Honeyberry / Haskap (Lonicera kamtschatica) 'Lori' (PBR)

High-yielding American variety with firm skin, ideal for mechanical harvesting and processing.

'Lori' (protected variety) is a modern cultivar from the American breeding program, created to meet the demands of commercial growing and the processing industry. It stands out primarily for its extreme productivity and excellent fruit shelf life. Because the berries do not drop naturally but detach easily and without damage during machine shaking, 'Lori' is an absolute top choice for mechanical harvesting. Due to its robustness, it is also highly attractive for home gardeners.

Key Highlights:

• Exceptional yield: Up to 6 kg of fruit per bush at full maturity.
• Ideal for machine harvest: Berries hold firmly but shake off easily without damage.
• Excellent shelf life: Lasts 2 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Extreme frost hardiness: Tolerates frosts down to -42 °C.
• High resistance to diseases and pests.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (Oregon, Corvallis). Breeder: Maxine M. Thompson.
• Registration: Applied for CPVO plant variety rights (No. 20173122).

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium to vigorous. Slender and upright habit.
• Height: Reaches up to 2 meters.
• Shoots: Numerous, strong, and thick.
• Flowering: Blooms in April to May with white-yellow flowers.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Medium-sized, barrel-elliptical. The tip is blunt, sometimes slightly indented.
• Color and Skin: Dark blue to deep garnet with a bluish waxy bloom. The skin is delicate yet very firm and resistant to mechanical damage.
• Taste: Sweet-sour, slightly tart, but without any unwanted bitterness (ideal for processing).
• Usage: Juices, jams, freezing, but also suitable for fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Soil: Not demanding regarding soil, though heavy clays and dry sands should be avoided.
• Maintenance: Does not tolerate weed competition! Requires keeping the area around the base clean and weed-free.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: To maximize yield, it must be planted near other honeyberry varieties that bloom at the same time.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early variety, ripening in early to mid-June.
• Harvesting: Fruits do not drop spontaneously and can be excellently harvested by shaking.