Haskap is a cold-hardy, early-fruiting deciduous shrub producing elongated, blue-purple berries with a sweet-tart flavor. ‘Borealis’ is compact and extremely hardy, known for high-quality, firm, medium-sized berries, making it ideal for northern climates and home gardens. ‘Berry Blue’ is vigorous and productive, yielding long, sweet-tart berries that are excellent for fresh eating, preserves, and baking. Both cultivars require cross-pollination, so planting them together ensures the best fruit set. Early spring flowers appear before leaves, often surviving light frosts, which is a major advantage in Regina’s climate.
- Size: Borealis: 3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m) tall × 3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m) wide. Berry Blue: 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m) tall × 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) wide. Habit: Upright to slightly spreading, multi-stemmed shrub
- Hardiness: Extremely cold-hardy; reliable to Zone 2 and colder
- Light: Full sun for optimal fruit size and flavor; tolerates light shade
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage
- Water: Moderate; consistent moisture enhances berry size and yield
- Pollination: Cross-pollination required; plant Borealis and Berry Blue near each other
- Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove older stems periodically to encourage vigorous new growth
- Maintenance: Low; mulch to conserve soil moisture and protect roots
-
Wildlife: Birds may feed on ripe berries; netting can protect the harves