About
Lonicera obovata, the blueberry honeysuckle, is a dwarf, spreading shrub about 1 m wide with prostrate branches bearing small, mid-green leaves. Pairs of bell-shaped, pale-yellow flowers to 1 cm long often appear with the new leaves in spring, followed by distinctive bluish-purple berries. A neat and ornamental ground-cover honeysuckle for a sunny border or rock garden.
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 hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched, Trailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya
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 as soon as ripe, semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn
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)