Honeysuckle Selena

Lonicera "Selena" is a variety bred at the Research Institute of Horticulture (NIISS) in Barnaul, distinguished by high yield and resistance to adverse conditions. Bushes are strong-growing (up to 1.9 m), spreading, with medium-thickness shoots and drooping tops. Leaves are large, dark green, elliptical, providing good photosynthesis and pest protection.

The fruits of the "Selena" variety are large (1.0–1.4 g), almost black with a blue bloom, and have an elliptical shape with a blunt-tapered end. The taste is sweet-sour with a slight bitterness, rated 3.8 points. Fruits do not drop and retain juiciness until harvest. Ripening period is early to mid-June, with a yield of about 3.5 kg per bush (≈ 8.8 t/ha with a planting scheme of 4 × 1). Bushes bear fruit starting from the second year after planting.

The variety is drought-resistant, highly winter-hardy, and resistant to pests and diseases. "Selena" is self-sterile, but for more stable fruiting, cross-pollination with varieties such as Zolushka or Ognenny Opal is recommended. Main advantages – high yield, large fruits, no fruit drop, and resistance to adverse conditions; the only drawback is slight bitterness in fruits.