Lonicera

( lon - NISS - er - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Lonicera, or Honeysuckle, is a genus of semi-evergreen, evergreen and deciduous shrubs and vines that needs full sun to partial shade and moderate to regular water. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard and the berries that follow the blooms are favorited by birds. The flowers are borne in pairs and are commonly fragrant, deepening in color after opening. Honeysuckle takes both vining and shrubby forms, the vining ones needing to be staked or tied to a trellis to keep from flopping over. Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as some species produce fruits that are 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. The best growing zones for Honeysuckle vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Lonicera acuminata (Fragrant Grove Honeysuckle, Vine Honeysuckle)
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.

Lonicera x americana 'Pam's Pink'
This species is evergreen to semi-evergreen and takes the form of a shrub, growing well in zones 4-12 and 14-24. 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.

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. Foliage is green and herbaceous, and flowers are white to light pink, turning yellowish as they age. Fruits that follow are red berries.
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. 
'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)
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.

Lonicera caprifolium (Italian Woodbine, Perfoliate Honeysuckle, Goat-Leaf Honeysuckle, Italian Honeysuckle, Perfoliate Woodbine)
These plants are perennials native to Europe and North America, and have perfoliate foliage (meaning that stems seem to punch right through 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.

Lonicera conjugialis (Purpleflower 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 and inedible.

Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter-Flowering Honeysuckle, Fragrant Honeysuckle, Kiss-Me-At-The-Gate, Sweet Breath of Spring)
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 have 

Lonicera x heckrottii (Gold-Flame Honeysuckle, Coral Honeysuckle)
This species is deciduous or evergreen and is a vining shrub that grows well in zones 2-24, H1 and H2. It is vigorous, reaching 12-15 feet tall and has blue-green foliage. Blooms 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.

Lonicera hildebrandiana (Giant Burmese Honeysuckle)
This species is an evergreen vine and grows well in 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. 

​Lonicera hispidula (Pink Honeysuckle, California Honeysuckle)
These 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. 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 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.
Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle, Golden-and-Silver Honeysuckle)
This species is native to eastern Asia, and is a vine that is evergreen in areas where winters are mild. Grows well in zones 1-24, H1 and H2 and can become invasive, so check with local authorities before planting. Leaves are deep green and flowers are purple-tinged white that bloom from spring to fall. Blooms smell of vanilla. Takes drought when established, and tolerates poor drainage as well.
'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 'Mandarin'
This hybrid cultivar is deciduous and grows well in zones 2b-9 and 14-21; It reaches 15-20 feet and has copper new foliage that ages to glossy green. In late spring and midsummer, red buds open to yellow flowers with orange-red exteriors. Does not fruit; flowers are not particularly fragrant.

​Lonicera nitida (Box Honeysuckle)
This species takes the form of an evergreen shrub, growing well in 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).
Lonicera periclymenum (Woodbine, Honeysuckle, Common Honeysuckle, European Honeysuckle)
This species, best in zones 1-24, is an evergreen or deciduous vine native to Europe and the Mediterranean. It reaches 10-20 feet and in summer and fall produces two-lipped flowers that are fragrant. Varieties are 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)
This species is evergreen in mild-winter areas and is semi-evergreen to deciduous in cooler climates. It grows well in zones 2-24 and is native to the eastern and southern areas of the United States. It reaches 10-20 feet with support, otherwise it is 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

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 vines 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 vine. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base.​

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
  1. 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. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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 shrub.

Propagating Lonicera by Seed
  1. 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. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 seeds.
Lonicera seeds.

Problems and Pests

Honeysuckle plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the home garden:
  • Aphids
  • Scale Insects
  • Caterpillars
  • Canker
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Dieback
  • Sudden Oak Death
For more information on these pests and diseases, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Honeysuckle vines are popular ornamentals due to their fragrance.
Although most species have a vining habit, some can be trimmed into compact shrubs.
These vines are popular screening for fences and walls.
The bright, fragrant flowers on these vines and shrubs will draw pollinators into the garden.
Flowers are typically tubular and brightly colored in most species.
Even if left untended, these vines and shrubs are wonderful additions to the landscape.

Videos

How to choose which Honeysuckle to grow.
Why you should grow these vines in your wildlife garden.
Learn about the invasive nature of these vines.
All about growing Haskaps, or Honeyberries.

Resources

How to Grow Honeysuckle Plants Like a Pro
How to Grow and Care for Honeysuckle
Wikipedia: Honeysuckle
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 420 - 421, Lonicera
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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