Lonicera etrusca aka Etruscan Honeysuckle

Taxonomy

Lonicera etrusca, also known as Etruscan honeysuckle, is a deciduous perennial climber that can grow up to 6 meters in length. It is native to Southern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, but has been introduced and escaped cultivation in other places, such as the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is often kept as an ornamental plant in gardens. The plant has oval leaves and dense spikes of flowers that are light yellow to pale reddish-pink, with elongated tubular corollas up to 5 centimeters long. The flowers have pairs of fused leaves at the bases, and each has protruding stamens and style from the mouth. The plant produces bright red berries, which are poisonous. In North America, it can be invasive. As a houseplant, the Etruscan honeysuckle requires regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light within one foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and does not typically need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Etruscan Honeysuckle, Coral Honeysuckle

How to care for Etruscan Honeysuckle

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Etruscan Honeysuckle, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Etruscan Honeysuckle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Etruscan Honeysuckle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Etruscan Honeysuckle requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Coral Honeysuckle will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Etruscan Honeysuckle has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia