Lonicera

( lon - NISS - er - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Lonicera, or Honeysuckle, is a genus of semi-evergreen, evergreen and deciduous shrubs and bines. Species need full sun to partial shade and moderate to regular water to perform well in the garden. The flowers attract pollinators and the berries that follow the blooms are bird favorites. The flowers are borne in pairs and are commonly fragrant, deepening in color after opening. These plants can be used for many purposes in the landscape, including as vertical accents or privacy screening, to add fragrance to walkways or patios, as groundcover or bank stabilization plants, as hedges or foundation plants, or simply to draw wildlife into the garden. Take care when planting Honeysuckles in the landscape, as some species produce fruits that are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Lonicera Species and Varietals

The genus Lonicera is a member of the plant family Captifoliaceae, and includes 158 species. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Weigela, Abelia, Symphoricarpos (Snowberry), and Linnaea (Twinflower). The best growing zones for Honeysuckle vary depending on the species cultivated; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Lonicera acuminata (Fragrant Grove Honeysuckle, Vine Honeysuckle, Henry's Honeysuckle, Pale-Red Honeysuckle, Dàn Hóng Rěn Dōng, 淡红忍冬, Alishan Honeysuckle, 阿里山忍冬, Alishan Gold-and-Silver Flower, 阿里山金银花)
Native to China, Southeastern Asia, and India, this species forms a fast-growing vine that can reach up to over 15 feet tall. Foliage is green and flowers are orange to reddish and fragrant, blooming between the months of May and July. Fragrant Grove Honeysuckle grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-10. The species is considered invasive in Swizerland, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Lonicera x americana (Hybrid Honeysuckle, American Woodbine, American Honeysuckle)
This well-behaved species is evergreen to semi-evergreen and takes the form of a shrub, growing well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-12 and 14-24. It is a cross between Lonicera caprifolium and Lonicera etrusca. In springtime, this plant produces fragrant pink and white blossoms. It reaches about 4-5 feet tall and 6 feet wide and is favored in the desert. It needs partial shade in warmer climates. The main cultivar of the species is 'Pam's Pink', with soft pink and cream flowers as well as improved heat tolerance and mildew resistance.

Lonicera x bella (Bell's Honeysuckle, Showy Fly Honeysuckle)
These artificial hybrids are a cross between Lonicera morrowii and Lonicera tatarica, and form shrubs to 20 feet tall. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4-6. Foliage is green and herbaceous, and flowers are white to light pink, turning yellowish as they age. Fruits that follow are red berries. Cultivars include 'Albida' (with white flowers that age to yellow), 'Rosea' (with light pink to rose-pink blooms), and 'Atrorosea' (with deeper dark rose-pink flowers). This species is considered highly invasive in the midwestern and northeastern regions of the United States.

Lonicera caerulea (Blue Honeysuckle, Sweetberry Honeysuckle, Fly Honeysuckle, Blue Fly Honeysuckle, Blue-Berried Honeysuckle, Honeyberry, Haskap)
This species of Honeysuckle is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and forms a deciduous shrub to between 5 and 7 feet tall when mature. Leaves are green, flowers are yellow-white, and berries that follow are edible and cylindrical in shape. Hardy to -53 degrees Fahrenheit. Haskap grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-7. This species is highly invasive in Norway and Sweden. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Aurora'
4-6 feet tall with large, sweet berries.

'Boreal Beauty'
Late-season producer of berries good for jams, eating fresh, and baking.

'Boreal Beast'
Very large fruits that ripen 2-3 weeks later than most.

'Boreal Blizzard'
Large berries with excellent flavor.

'Honeybee'
To 6 feet tall, with delicious berries in early summer.

'Wojtek'
Tart and sweet berries with red flesh, good for eating fresh or cooking.

'Indigo Gem'
3-foot tall shrub with fruit ripening in July-August.

'Indigo Treat'
4-5 foot tall shrub with dark blue berries good for juicing, eating fresh, and preserves.

'Indigo Yum'
Black-blue berries good for eating fresh and preserves.

'Polar Jewel'
These compact shrubs produce navy blue berries with a sweet taste.

'Sinoglaska'
Sweet and sour large berries good for jams, juices, yogurts, and ice creams.

'Tundra'
Large, sweet berries good for jams, pies, and juicing.

Lonicera canadensis (American Fly Honeysuckle, Canada Fly Honeysuckle, American Honeysuckle)
These deciduous perennial shrubs reach up to between 3 and 7 feet tall when mature, and produce green foliage. Flowers appear in April through May, and are white and fragrant, dangling from branches. Fruits that follow are favorites of wildlife. American Honeysuckle grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

Lonicera caprifolium (Italian Woodbine, Perfoliate Honeysuckle, Goat-Leaf Honeysuckle, Italian Honeysuckle, Perfoliate Woodbine)
These deciduous plants are native to Europe and North America, and have perfoliate leaves. They are deciduous plants with the potential to reach up to 26 feet long at maturity, and produce fragrant, cream-colored to pinkish in summertime. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Lonicera conjugialis (Purpleflower Honeysuckle, Double Honeysuckle, wedded Honeysuckle)
These plants are native to the western United States, and form slender shrubs that reach over 5 feet tall when mature. Leaves are green and oval, and flowers are maroon-red to deep purple in color. Fruits that follow are bright red. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8.

Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter-Flowering Honeysuckle, Fragrant Honeysuckle, Kiss-Me-At-The-Gate, Sweet Breath of Spring, January Jasmine, Sweetest Honeysuckle)
These plants are native to China, and are an introduced species with a wide range worldwide. They are grown for their ornamental value, with their highly lemony-scented white flowers and handsome shape. They reach up to between 3 and 9 feet tall when mature and equally as wide, and have a multi-stemmed growth habit. Fragrant Honeysuckle grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. This species is considered highly invasive in the eastern, midwestern and southeastern regions of the United States.

Lonicera x heckrottii (Gold-Flame Honeysuckle, Coral Honeysuckle)
This species is deciduous or evergreen and is a vining shrub that grows well in UDSA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-24, H1 and H2. It is vigorous, reaching 12-15 feet tall at maturity and has blue-green to green foliage. Blooms are present from spring through the first frost of the year. Coral pink buds open to reveal yellow flowers that are lightly fragrant. Can be trained as an espalier or on wire along eaves. This species is listed as invasive in Illinois in the United States.

Lonicera hildebrandiana (Giant Burmese Honeysuckle, Giant Honeysuckle, Large-Fruited Honeysuckle, Dà guǒ rěn dōng, 大果忍冬)
This species is an evergreen vine and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 or Sunset growing zones 9, 14-17, 19-24, H1 and H2. It is native to China and reaches 30 feet tall, with flowers that open white and age to dull orange followed by dark green berries. This plant should be thinned occasionally to remove dead and older stems and branches that have already bloomed. Great along eaves, on an arbor, or against a wall. Needs support to not fall over. Giant Burmese Honeysuckle is highly invasive in Hawai'i and an environmental threat in regions of the southeastern United States.

Lonicera hispidula (Pink Honeysuckle, California Honeysuckle, Hairy Honeysuckle)
These semi-evergreen to deciduous plants are native to low-elevation woodlands along the west coast of North America. It forms a shrubby vining plant with tubular, slightly curved flowers. Pink Honeysuckle reaches 3-20 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity, and grows well on trellises or arbors. Blooms are pink and fragrant. These plants are commonly used as ornamentals in native plant gardens or wildlife gardens.

Lonicera involucrata (Bearberry Honeysuckle, Bracted Honeysuckle, Twinberry Honeysuckle, Californian Honeysuckle, Twin-Berry, Black Twinberry)
These deciduous plants, native to northern and western areas of North America, are large shrubs that reach up to 16.5 feet tall when mature. Leaves are green with hairy undersides, and flowers are yellow, tubular, and hairy, surrounded by reddish-orange bracts. Fruits that follow are unpalatable black berries. Bearberry Honeysuckle grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-10.

Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle, Golden-and-Silver Honeysuckle)
This species is native to eastern Asia, and is a bine that is evergreen in areas where winters are mild. Grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, H1 and H2. Leaves are deep green and flowers are purple-tinged white that bloom from spring to fall. Blooms smell of vanilla. Japanese Honeysuckle can take drought conditions once established and tolerates poor drainage as well. This species is considered highly invasive in the eastern midwestern and mid-Atlantic regions and California in the United States, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Aureo-reticulata'
(Goldnet Honeysuckle)
Leaves are yellow-variegated, especially so in strong sun conditions. Less invasive than the species.

'Halliana'
(Hall's Honeysuckle)
Widely grown; pure white flowers that age to yellow attract bees. Used as a bank and groundcover (set 2-3 feet apart).

'Purpurea'
Leaves have purplish undersides and flowers are purple-red outside, white inside.

Lonicera nitida (Box Honeysuckle, Box Honeysuckle, Boxleaf Honeysuckle, Glossy-Leaved Honeysuckle, 亮叶忍冬)
This species takes the form of an evergreen shrub, growing well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 14-24, H1 and H2, and is native to southwestern China. It produces tubular flowers in late spring or early summer and are white and fragrant. Berries are translucent bluish-purple. Easily trained into a hedge, and can tolerate salt spray from the ocean. Varieties include 'Baggsen's Gold' (to 4 feet tall and wide, with golden-chartreuse folaige), 'Lemon Beauty' (4-6 feet tall with dark green leaves edged in yellow-green), 'Red Tips' (4-6 feet tall and wide, with green foliage that is red-tipped), and Silver Beauty' (3-4 feet tall with bright silver leaf edges). This species is considered invasive in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Lonicera periclymenum (Woodbine, Honeysuckle, Common Honeysuckle, European Honeysuckle)
This species, best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, is an evergreen or deciduous bine native to Europe and the Mediterranean. It reaches 10-20 feet and in summer and fall produces two-lipped flowers that are fragrant. This species is considered invasive in New England and the Pacific Northwest regions of the United States as well as eastern Canada. Cultivars are listed described below.

'Serotina'
Blooms are purple on the exterior, yellow on the interior.

'Berries Jubilee'
Flowers are yellow, followed by red berries.

'Belgica'
Bushy-habited vine with white flowers that are blushed with purple and age to yellow. Large berries follow flowers.

'Winchester'
Foliage is tinged with purple when new, and flowers are pink-red with cream throats. Berries are bright red-purple.

Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle, Coral Honeysuckle, Scarlet Honeysuckle, Woodbine, Honeysuckle)
This species is evergreen in mild-winter areas and is semi-evergreen to deciduous in cooler climates. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-24 and is native to the eastern and southern regions of the United States. It reaches 10-20 feet with support, otherwise it forms a shrubby, smaller plant. Flowers are unscented and orange-yellow to scarlet, blooming in late spring through summertime. Leaves are green above, bluish underneath. Varieties include 'Blanche Sandman' (with orange-red flowers), 'Leo' (coral-red blooms with orange throats), and 'Magnifica' or 'Superba' (both with larger flowers than the species).

Caring for Lonicera

Take care when planting Honeysuckles in the landscape, as some species produce fruits that are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Depending on the species and variety grown, these plants may need a structure, like a gazebo or trellis, to climb on; shrubby species typically do not. Honeysuckle bines and shrubs do best when planted in full sun; Ideally, they should be receiving between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day for best performance and flowering. Some afternoon protection from sun is needed in particularly hot areas to avoid over-stressing the plant or foliage sunburn. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 5.5 and 8.0. If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.

Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. Foliage can be trimmed back at any time of the year to control growth and remove dead, damaged and diseased stems and leaves. Doing so will keep the plant at its healthiest form. Pinch young plants to encourage a bushy habit to form. Fertilize Honeysuckle plants yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base of the plant. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base. These plants can survive in the landscape for 20 to 50 years or more before needing to be replaced if they receive proper care.

Caring for Lonicera in Containers
Lonicera shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Lonicera plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Lonicera
Lonicera caerulea is commonly cultivated as an edible plant in food forests, and its fruits are called Honeyberries or Haskap Berries. The fruits are harvested in late spring through early summertime. They are ready to be picked between 6 and 7 weeks after blooming. They will turn blue about 2 weeks before they are fully ripe. If the inside of berries are still green, they have not yet reached their full sugar content. Ripe fruits will have deep dark purple to red interiors. They have a rich, sweet-tart taste described by many as a cross between Blueberry and Raspberry with Blackberry or Black Currant undertones. They are eaten fresh, baked into cakes and pies, blended into smoothies, or cooked down into jams and syrups.

When the Honeyberries are ripe, they can be harvested by hand or a sheet can be laid out under the shrub and branches can be shaken (by hand or tapped with a broom) to release them. The best time to harvest is in the cooler morning hours when fruits are still firm to prevent bruising and extend storage life. Use a shallow container to collect harvested berries rather than deep buckets, as too much weight on top of the lower layers of berries can bruise them. Fresh berries spoil quickly. Store in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for about a week.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Lonicera shrubs and vines can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Honeysuckle, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Lonicera by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Propagating Lonicera by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. They will be located inside of the ripened fruits produced by shrubs and vines. They are of various colors, though when mature they are typically either bright red or dark blue. When fruits have started to naturally drop from their attachments, it is a good indication that it is harvesting time. Collect as many fruits as possible, and bring them indoors. Then, remove the seeds from fruits by cutting them open or mashing them against a sieve if working with a large number. Rinse them under water to clean any remaining flesh off, and then lay them out to dry. They can be stored in a cool, dark, dry place for up to two years' time until ready to be used.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Lonicera shrubs produce fruits called berries which contain between a few and several seeds.

Lonicera seeds are dark grey or brown, and have a slightly angled or flattened shape.

Problems and Pests

Certain Lonicera species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Honeysuckle plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the home garden: