Lonicera alpigena aka Alpine Honeysuckle

Lonicera alpigena, or alpine honeysuckle, belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. This shrub comes from mountains in south-central and southern Europe. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in temperate regions and forms a rounded, bushy shape. Its spreading branches suit a hedge or garden screen. The RHS also lists it for banks, slopes, and informal gardens.

Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres) tall and wide. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a height near 6 feet (1.8 metres). The RHS describes shrubs around 6.6 feet (2 metres) tall. Its listed upper garden size is slightly larger. Plants reach their mature size in two to five years. The large, rounded leaves help set it apart from other honeysuckles. They can reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) long. The shrub sheds its leaves, though some may stay through mild winters.

Flowers open in May and June, on long stalks. They grow in pairs where the leaves meet the stems. Sources give different accounts of their colour. Chicago describes yellow blooms with a red tint and also lists white. The RHS describes pink shades, from cream-tinted pink to dark pink. Large red berries follow the flowers. Their long stalks give them the look of small cherries. The fruit adds garden interest, and the shrub attracts birds. Its berries are not food for people or pets.

Grow alpine honeysuckle in full sun or partial shade. The RHS recommends a sheltered site with moist soil that drains well. Chicago also reports that it accepts dry to moist conditions. It grows in chalk, clay, loam, or sand. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Moderate watering suits its garden needs. Chicago lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. The RHS gives it an H6 rating for UK conditions. New plants can come from seed or cuttings. The RHS lists hardwood, softwood, and semi-ripe cuttings as options.

Chicago reports few insect or disease problems and notes resistance to deer. Even so, aphids and powdery mildew can affect this shrub. The RHS warns that the fruit may harm both people and pets. It also advises gloves and other protection when handling the plant. Do not treat its cherry-like fruit as edible. Chicago notes that its invasive potential has not been tested in the Midwest. That gap does not establish whether it will spread there.