Lonicera japonica aka Honeysuckle
Taxonomy ID: 10185
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 HoneysuckleMore information about Honeysuckle
How difficult is it to take care of Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.
What is the region of origin of Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea. Locally naturalized in Britain[50].
What are the water needs for Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Honeysuckle
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Honeysuckle
To ensure optimal growth, the Honeysuckle prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Honeysuckle
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.
Is Honeysuckle toxic to humans/pets?
Honeysuckle is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Lonicera Genus
Lonicera subspicata Southern Honeysuckle
Lonicera tatarica Tatarian Honeysuckle
Lonicera caprifolium Honeysuckle
Lonicera caerulea Blue Honeysuckle
Lonicera ciliosa Orange Honeysuckle
Lonicera ligustrina Indian Cluster Berry
Lonicera affinis
Lonicera hispidula Pink Honeysuckle
Lonicera villosa Mountain Fly Honeysuckle