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 lopping over. 

Lonicera Species and Varietals

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 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 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 japonica (Japanese 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. Leaves are deep green and flowers are purple-tinged white that bloom from spring to fall. 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 species 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)
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)
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

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Aphids

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

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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