Overview
Lonicera microphylla is a climbing, shrubby climber wall shrub in the genus Lonicera, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Lonicera microphylla grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climbers, shrubs, hedging, topiary, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Lonicera microphylla, known as small-leaved honeysuckle, is a cultivar of the Lonicera genus, which includes both deciduous and evergreen shrubs and climbers with twining stems. This plant is a climbing, shrubby type that can be deciduous, evergreen, or semi-evergreen. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with fertile, well-drained soil. Suitable for a variety of soil types and pH levels, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and is often used in climbers, shrubs, hedging, topiary, cottage, and wildlife gardens, with interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines in the genus Lonicera of the family Caprifoliaceae. The genus includes 158 species native to northern latitudes in North America, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Honeysuckle", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Honeysuckle
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lonicera
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lonicera microphylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing, Shrubby
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Climbers, Shrubs, Hedging, Topiary, Cottage gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lonicera microphylla
- Propagation
- Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Leaf-bud cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Honeysuckle aphids, Thrips, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Silver leaf, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lonicera microphylla?
Lonicera microphylla prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lonicera microphylla need?
Lonicera microphylla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Lonicera microphylla hardy in the UK?
Lonicera microphylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Lonicera microphylla?
Layering, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Leaf-bud cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
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More in the Lonicera genus
- Lonicera caerulea 'Altaj' (F)Honeyberry
- Lonicera caprifolium 'Inga'Italian Woodbine
- Lonicera periclymenum 'Assynt Cream'Honeysuckle
