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 HoneysuckleHow 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
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.
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
More Species in Lonicera Genus
Lonicera affinis

Lonicera japonica Honeysuckle

Lonicera nigra Blackberried Honeysuckle
Lonicera oblongifolia Swamp Fly Honeysuckle

Lonicera ligustrina Indian Cluster Berry

Lonicera interrupta Chaparral Honeysuckle

Lonicera Honeysuckle

Lonicera fragrantissima Fragrant Honeysuckle

Lonicera caprifolium Honeysuckle
