Common Honeysuckle: Care and Growing Guide
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How to Grow and Care for Common Honeysuckle
The honeysuckle family (Lonicera spp.) Includes 180 species of low-maintenance deciduous and evergreen shrubs or vines with intertwined stems. Attracting bees and hummingbirds, the fragrant flowers are showy and tubular or crossed, followed by red or blackberries. Depending on the variety, honeysuckle becomes tough in USDA zones 4 through 10.
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The common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is also called European honeysuckle or wood backbone. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, it has become naturalized in some areas of North America, such as Nova Scotia, Ontario, New England, and the Pacific Northwest.
It is a deciduous shrub with a climbing habit, reaching 3.6 meters in height and occasionally up to 6 meters in height. The leaves are ovate to obovate, about two inches long, appearing in pairs on the stems. The leaves are dark green on top and blue-green on the bottom. Two shades of green appear in the center of the leaf, which has creamy white edges.
New leaves appear in the spring and mature as soft leaves in the summer, turning a deep pink color in the fall. The buttons are pink. The flowers open in ivory with a purple hue, crimson-purple on the outside while remaining yellow and white on the inside. The double-lipped flowers, each 5 centimeters long, bloom continuously in summer and more sporadically in autumn until frozen, in three to five spiral tips that give rise to bright red fruits.
It grows naturally in forests, shrubs, or hedges, its sweet aroma is most fragrant after sunset when it attracts pollinating moths.
| Botanical Name | Lonicera periclymenum |
| Common Names | Common Honeysuckle, European Honeysuckle, Woodbine |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub with a vine-like growth habit |
| Mature Size | 12 to 20 ft. tall |
| Sun Exposure | Dappled sunlight |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained soils |
| Soil pH | Neutral; tolerates both acidic and alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer, fall |
| Flower Colors | Crimson purple outside and yellow and white inside |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9, USDA |
| Native Area | Europe, Northern Africa, Southwest Asia |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to children |
Common Honeysuckle Care
Tie the young wine honeysuckle to a vertical peg to support its growth. Set the stake before planting to avoid disturbing the soil or roots.
Light
The common honeysuckle prefers spotty sunlight but will grow in full sun to get some shade. Give the plant an environment similar to its natural bush and forest habitat. If possible, shade the roots and let the plant rise towards the sun.
Soil
Give the honeysuckle-rich, well-drained, fertile soil.
Water
Water the newly planted honeysuckle constantly. Keep the soil evenly moist until the plant shows signs of vigorous growth. Once established, it is quite a drought-tolerant. Water only if the summer drought lasts two weeks or more, offering at least an inch of water per week. Adding about two inches of organic mulch around the base of the plant will prevent the water from evaporating.
Temperature and humidity
Honeysuckle generally thrives in cooler regions with cooler summer climates. Place in partial shade in the afternoon, where summers are particularly hot.
Fertilizer
When planted in fertile soil, honeysuckle will grow vigorously without any added fertilizer. If necessary, encourage flowering by applying a low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring, such as 2-10-10, 0-10-10, or 15-25-10.
Too much nitrogen will encourage more growth on the leaves and not enough on the flowers. These "waves of foliage growth" can make the plant more susceptible to pests. Learn to read and understand garden fertilizer labels to give each plant exactly what it needs.
Is Common Honeysuckle Toxic?
Research at the University of Washington Botanical Garden reveals that some species of Lonicera (ie L. involucrata) are edible. Others, especially European species, such as common honeysuckle, can cause digestive tract problems in babies.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does not include honeysuckle on its list of toxic plants for pets. However, honeysuckle plants and fruits can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in reptiles.
Rover claims that scarlet and coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is toxic to dogs. SF Gate notes that "the many varieties of honeysuckle are not considered to be seriously poisonous to horses".
Pruning
Early flowering varieties that bloom in last year's growth, such as common honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), benefit from a one-third reduction at the end of the flowering period. If the vine loses control, cut it 60 cm above the ground.
Other Varieties
- Early Dutch Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum 'Belgica' ) plants bear streaked, raspberry red flowers.
- A popular woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina') produces flowers that are dark red on the outside and yellow and white inside.
- Berries Jubilee (Lonicera periclymenum 'Monul') have yellow flowers, giving fruit to bright red berries.
Propagating Common Honeysuckle
Semi-mature cuttings can be collected for propagation in the summer. Place the seedlings in well-drained soil and wait for them to take root.
Common Pests and Diseases
Although there are rarely problems with insects or serious illnesses, be careful with aphids and honeysuckle scales. The roll of leaves, death, and wounds can also arise.
Powdery mildew and leaf spotting can occur in hot, humid summer climates, another reason for the growth of honeysuckle in colder regions, where it thrives.
Enjoy This Video Tutorial About What Is Honeysuckle?
Source: health and life
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