Lonicera japonica aka Honeysuckle

Taxonomy

Lonicera japonica, also known as Japanese honeysuckle and golden-and-silver honeysuckle, is a species of honeysuckle native to eastern Asia. This vigorous, woody, semi-evergreen twining climber can reach heights of 8-10m. It has dark green leaves that can grow up to 8cm long and turn purple-bronze in winter. The plant produces fragrant, rich purple-pink tubular flowers with a creamy-white throat. These flowers bloom in pairs from deep purple-red buds and continue to flourish from spring to late summer. Following the flowering season, Lonicera japonica produces blue-black berries. Japanese honeysuckle is often cultivated as an ornamental plant, but it has also become an invasive species in several countries. This twining vine can climb up to 10m or more in trees. It features oval leaves that are 3–8 cm long and 2–3 cm broad. The stems of young plants have a slight red color and may be fuzzy, while older stems are brown with peeling bark and are often hollow inside. The sweetly vanilla-scented flowers are double-tongued, opening white and fading to yellow. In fall, the plant produces small black berries containing a few seeds. While the nectar from the flowers is safe for human consumption, all other parts of the plant have the potential to be toxic. In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried leaves and flowers of Lonicera japonica, known as Flos Lonicerae Japonicae, are used.

Common names

Honeysuckle, Japanese Honeysuckle

How to care for Honeysuckle

Difficulty

Honeysuckle demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.

Water

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

Soil

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

Honeysuckle requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Japanese Honeysuckle is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Honeysuckle is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Honeysuckle should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Honeysuckle’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea. Locally naturalized in Britain[50].


More info:
Wikipedia