About
Deciduous, spreading shrub about 2m tall, with oval dark green leaves, red-flushed when young and red-tipped when mature. Pendulous, tubular or trumpet-shaped pink flowers with yellow anthers are produced singly or in pairs, in late spring, followed by scarlet berries.
About the genus
Lonicera can be deciduous and evergreen shrubs, or climbers with twining stems. The tubular or two-lipped flowers, often very fragrant, are followed by red or black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow shrubby honeysuckle in any well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See honeysuckle (shrubby) cultivation
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by seed when ripe, layering, softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, leaf-bud cuttings and hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)