Lonicera maackii aka Amur Honeysuckle

Lonicera maackii is a large, vigorous shrub typically reaching 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) in both height and spread, though it can occasionally grow to 6 meters (20 feet). It has a rapid growth rate with multiple arching stems that form a dense, rounded habit. When cut back, it regrows vigorously and densely from the stump, making it difficult to control once established.

Lonicera maackii is native to temperate eastern Asia, specifically the region surrounding the Amur River which forms the border between Russia and China. Its native range includes Manchuria, northern and central China, Korea, the Russian Far East (Primorye and Khabarovsk), and rare populations in central and northern Honshu, Japan. The species was named after Richard Maack, a Russian naturalist who explored the Amur region in the 19th century.

Lonicera maackii is extremely cold-hardy, tolerating USDA zones 3-8, which corresponds to minimum temperatures down to -40°C (-40°F). It is also resistant to summer heat. This exceptional temperature tolerance across both extremes contributes to its invasive success, allowing it to thrive from the upper Midwest to the southern United States.

This deciduous shrub requires minimal seasonal care due to its extreme adaptability. It leafs out earlier than native species in spring and retains foliage longer into fall, extending its growing season. In winter, the exfoliating bark provides some visual interest. Note that in regions where it's invasive, the focus should be on control and removal rather than care.

Yes, Lonicera maackii produces fragrant tubular flowers in late spring. The sweet scent is characteristic of honeysuckles and helps attract pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The fragrance is most noticeable when flowers are abundant in May through early June.

Lonicera maackii produces pairs of tubular, two-lipped flowers from the leaf axils in late spring (May-June). Each flower measures approximately 2 cm long, opening pure white and aging to a creamy buff-yellow. The upper lip has four lobes while the lower lip is longer and reflexes downward. Yellow-tipped stamens and a white style protrude from the floral tube. The fragrant blooms are followed by showy clusters of dark red berries in autumn.

POWO/Kew Gardens recognizes two accepted infraspecific varieties: Lonicera maackii var. maackii (the typical variety) and Lonicera maackii var. erubescens, which may have pinkish-tinged flowers. Due to the species' invasive status, cultivation of any variety is strongly discouraged, and native honeysuckle alternatives such as Lonicera sempervirens or Lonicera flava are recommended instead.

While Lonicera maackii thrives outdoors across USDA zones 3-8 in virtually any soil and light conditions, it is classified as a highly invasive species throughout much of North America.S. states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Tennessee. Native honeysuckle species should be planted instead.

If managing existing Lonicera maackii, be aware that cutting stimulates dense, vigorous regrowth from the stump. For removal, cut stems must be treated with herbicide immediately after cutting to prevent resprouting. In areas where it is invasive (most of eastern North America), complete removal rather than maintenance pruning is recommended.

Lonicera maackii reproduces readily from seed, with birds being the primary dispersal agents—particularly American robins, hermit thrushes, European starlings, and cedar waxwings. Plants can reach reproductive age in as few as three years and produce millions of viable seeds. It also sprouts vigorously from cut stumps. Due to its invasive status, propagation should not be attempted.

Lonicera maackii has remarkably few pest or disease problems, which contributes to its invasive success. NC State Extension lists 'no significant problems' for this species. Its deer resistance and black walnut tolerance further enhance its competitive advantage over native plants that are more susceptible to browsing and allelopathy.

The fragrant, tubular flowers of Lonicera maackii are primarily pollinated by insects, especially bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the sweet nectar. Hummingbirds also visit the flowers. After pollination, the plant produces abundant red berries that are dispersed by birds including robins, thrushes, and starlings.

No, Lonicera maackii berries are toxic and should not be consumed. They contain saponins that cause severe diarrhea when eaten. While some honeysuckle species have edible berries (such as Lonicera caerulea, the honeyberry), Amur honeysuckle fruits are not safe for human consumption and are mildly toxic to pets as well.

Unlike its relative Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), which has over 2,000 years of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Lonicera maackii has no established medicinal applications. While research has identified various flavonoids in the plant, there is insufficient evidence for medicinal use, and the plant's toxicity makes it unsuitable for consumption.

Lonicera maackii was historically planted as an ornamental for its fragrant flowers and red berries, and for erosion control and wildlife habitat. However, due to its severe invasive impacts on native ecosystems, it is now explicitly not recommended for any use. NC State Extension states it 'is not recommended for any garden or landscape.

With its straightforward care requirements, Amur Honeysuckle is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Amur Honeysuckle does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Amur 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.

To ensure optimal growth, the Amur 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.

Once the Amur 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.

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