About
Lonicera hispida, the hairy honeysuckle, is a small, bristly, deciduous shrub about 1 m tall with rounded, dark-green leaves. Pale, yellowish-white, tubular flowers 2 cm long emerge from bristly, rounded, pale-green bracts to 2.5 cm long at the base of new growth in late spring, followed by red berries. A charming and distinctive small honeysuckle for a sunny border.
About the genus
Lonicera, the honeysuckles, are deciduous and evergreen shrubs and climbers with twining stems, simple leaves and tubular or two-lipped flowers that are often very fragrant, followed by red or black berries. Widely grown for hedging, wildlife gardens, and covering fences, walls and pergolas.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toE & C Asia
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 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)