Lonicera xylosteum aka Fly Honeysuckle

Lonicera xylosteum is a shrub that sheds its leaves each year. It belongs to Caprifoliaceae, the honeysuckle family. Common names include European fly honeysuckle and dwarf honeysuckle. It is native to Europe, central Siberia, and northeastern Türkiye. It grows in regions with a temperate climate. It has escaped from gardens in North America. UConn reports that it is invasive in Connecticut. There, it spreads beyond sites where people plant it.

This shrub grows fast, forming a dense mound with arching branches. Garden plants reach 6–10 feet [1.8–3.05 metres] tall. They can spread 10–12 feet [3.05–3.66 metres] wide. RHS gives a broader upper size: about 13 feet [4 metres]. The hollow brown stems have fine hairs. Older bark looks gray. Leaves grow in opposite pairs and have smooth edges. Some are broad ovals; others are wider near the tip. Fine hairs cover the gray-green leaves. They have no fall color. New leaves can look silver-green, then darken as they age.

Small flowers open in pairs along shoots from May to June. Each flower forms a tube with two lips. Its color is creamy-white or yellow-white. Dark red berries ripen in August. Yellow fruit is less common. Sources differ on how much the fruit adds to the display. RHS calls the berries showy. UConn finds them less striking. The plant draws birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its fruit is not food for people or pets. RHS warns people not to eat the berries. It also advises wearing gloves when handling plants.

Grow it in sun or part shade, in soil that drains well. It suits cool summers. In warmer areas, shade in the afternoon helps it. It grows well in rich soil with moderate moisture. Yet it can cope with poor sites. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk across a broad pH range. Once established, plants withstand some drought. They also cope with urban pollution and winter salt spray. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–6. It also notes hardiness into zone 3. RHS rates it H6. To shape it, prune just after it flowers.

Its dense growth suits hedges, screens, borders, and loose groups. It also fits woodland gardens, banks, and slopes. It needs little care but can grow untidy. Aphids, scale, thrips, and whitefly may attack it. Hot, humid summers can bring powdery mildew and leaf spot. RHS also lists silver leaf and rare honey fungus. It can escape from gardens. This limits its value in landscapes where it spreads.